(English) Episode 278-Why Your Shoulder MRI Is Often Wrong

Épisode de Health Physio+ par Arthromainpod · 25 août 2026 · 24 min

This article challenges the continued use of orthopaedic "special tests" for diagnosing rotator cuff–related shoulder pain (RCRSP), arguing they lack diagnostic validity.

The authors assert that these maneuvers cannot isolate specific anatomical structures because shoulder tissues are deeply interwoven and imaging often reveals similar abnormalities in asymptomatic individuals.

Rather than identifying a precise cause of pain, these tests merely act as provocation tools that may lead to unnecessary and invasive surgical procedures.

The text encourages clinicians to move away from these outdated methods in favor of a comprehensive clinical interview and functional physical assessment.

By prioritizing patient education and graduated rehabilitation over structural labeling, practitioners can provide more effective, evidence-based care.

(Salamh P, Lewis J. It is time to put special tests for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain out to pasture. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther [Internet]. 2020;50(5):222–5. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2020.0606)

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