Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in rotator cuff repair: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the efficacy and safety after the application of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A bibliographic search of the literature of prospective studies with level of evidence one or two was carried out from January 2004 to December 2021, including studies that compare the functional and re-tear results after arthroscopic cuff repair rotator with or without PRP.

RESULTS

A total of 281 articles were identified, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria. The overall re-rupture rate was 24%. In the PRP group, a decrease in the re-rupture rate and better functional results were demonstrated, although these differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant treatment with PRP has shown promising results, although there is not yet enough evidence to provide a clear advantage for routine use in clinical practice.

[Translated article] Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in rotator cuff repair: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the efficacy and safety after the application of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A bibliographic search of the literature of prospective studies with level of evidence one or two was carried out from January 2004 to December 2021, including studies that compare the functional and re-tear results after arthroscopic cuff repair rotator with or without PRP.

RESULTS

A total of 281 articles were identified, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria. The overall re-rupture rate was 24%. In the PRP group, a decrease in the re-rupture rate and better functional results were demonstrated, although these differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant treatment with PRP has shown promising results, although there is not yet enough evidence to provide a clear advantage for routine use in clinical practice.

[Translated article] Latarjet procedure for shoulder instability: Implications in the innervation of the subscapularis muscle

INTRODUCTION

Our aim was to describe whether Latarjet's technique affects subscapularis muscle innervation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 12 embalmed shoulders. Subscapularis muscle innervation pattern was registered. Dimensions of the subscapularis at the glenohumeral joint line and the nerves entry point were measured. Horizontal distances from the nerves to the glenohumeral joint line as well as vertical ones to the split were measured before and after Latarjet procedure. A safe zone for the split was designed to avoid damage to subscapularis innervation.

RESULTS

Subscapularis muscle is innervated by three principal branches: upper, middle, and inferior subscapularis nerves. No statistical differences were found between innervation distances before and after Latarjet procedure. To perform subscapularis split along the muscle safe zone, two thirds' proportions throughout all the split must be maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

Subscapularis muscle has a triple innervation and was not altered after Latarjet procedure. Therefore, Latarjet technique seems to respect subscapularis muscle innervation if its split is placed through the subscapularis muscle safe zone.

Latarjet procedure for shoulder instability: Implications in the innervation of the subscapularis muscle

INTRODUCTION

Our aim was to describe whether Latarjet's technique affects subscapularis muscle innervation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 12 embalmed shoulders. Subscapularis muscle innervation pattern was registered. Dimensions of the subscapularis at the glenohumeral joint line and the nerves entry point were measured. Horizontal distances from the nerves to the glenohumeral joint line as well as vertical ones to the split were measured before and after Latarjet procedure. A safe zone for the split was designed to avoid damage to subscapularis innervation.

RESULTS

Subscapularis muscle is innervated by three principal branches: upper, middle, and inferior subscapularis nerves. No statistical differences were found between innervation distances before and after Latarjet procedure. To perform subscapularis split along the muscle safe zone, two thirds' proportions throughout all the split must be maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

Subscapularis muscle has a triple innervation and was not altered after Latarjet procedure. Therefore, Latarjet technique seems to respect subscapularis muscle innervation if its split is placed through the subscapularis muscle safe zone.

Interobserver reliability of classifying shoulder calcific tendinopathy on plain radiography and ultrasound

INTRODUCTION

Shoulder calcific tendinopathy is a frequent cause of shoulder pain. Diagnosis is usually based on ultrasound (US) and/or X-ray. US is considered an inherently operator-dependent imaging modality and, interobserver variability has previously been described by experts in the musculoskeletal US. The main objective of this study is to assess the interobserver agreement for shoulder calcific tendinopathy attending to the size, type, and location of calcium analyzed in plain film and ultrasound among trained musculoskeletal radiologists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From June 2018 to May 2019, we conducted a prospective study. Patients diagnosed with shoulder pain related to calcific tendinopathy were included. Two different experienced musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated independently the plain film and the US.

RESULTS

Forty patients, with a mean age of 54.6 years, were included. Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.721 and 0.761 was obtained for the type of calcium encountered in plain film and the US, respectively. The location of calcification obtained a coefficient of 0.927 and 0.760 in plain film and US, respectively. The size of the calcification presented an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.891 and 0.86 in plain film and US respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in either measurement.

CONCLUSION

This study shows very good interobserver reliability of type and size measurement (plain film and US) of shoulder calcifying tendinopathy in experienced musculoskeletal radiologists.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a single or double row technique: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

To compare the double row technique versus the single row technique for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, in order to assess whether there are clinical differences.

METHODS

Systematic review of randomized clinical trials comparing the clinical results of the double-row technique versus the single-row technique in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were analyzed, including functional scores, tendon healing rate, and re-tear rate.

RESULTS

Thirteen randomized clinical trials were selected. 437 patients in the single row group (50.7%) and 424 patients in the double row group (49.3%) were analyzed. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age (P=.84), sex (P=.23) and loss to follow-up (P=.52). Significant differences were found for the better results of the double row technique at the UCLA level (P=.01). No significant differences were found on the Constant-Murley scale (P=.87) or on the ASES scale (P=.56). Similarly, there was a higher healing rate (P=.006) and less risk of rotator cuff re-tears with the double row technique (P=.006).

CONCLUSIONS

In rotator cuff repair, the double row technique was found to be superior to the single row technique in terms of better UCLA score, better tendon healing rate, and lower re-tear rate. No clinically significant differences were found on the Constant-Murley scale or on the ASES scale.

Treatment of calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff with ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration

OBJECTIVE

Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff is a common condition caused by the deposition of calcium crystals in the tendons of the rotator cuff. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration in calcific tendinopathy of the should in 86 patients treated at our center and to determine the factors associated with poor prognosis after this treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective descriptive study included 86 patients with calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff treated with ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration between 2015 and 2019 for whom clinical and radiological variables were collected 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

One year after treatment, 81.4% patients showed clinical improvement and 96.5% showed radiological improvement. Complications were observed in 34.9%; all complications were mild.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration is an effective treatment for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, resulting in a high rate of clinical and radiological improvement and a low rate of minor complications. This technique has additional advantages, such as interaction with the patient and the lack of ionizing radiation.

Rotator cuff debridement compared with rotator cuff repair in arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Although conservative treatment of calcific tendinopathy has a high success rate, arthroscopic excision of the calcific deposit is occasionally necessary. Controversy exists as to whether the remaining rotator cuff defect can be left in situ or should be repaired to achieve better functional outcomes. This study aimed to compare the results of debridement versus debridement combined with suturing in arthroscopic surgery for calcific tendinopathy.

METHODOLOGY

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to February 2023 for articles on arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinopathy. Functional outcomes (VAS, ASES, UCLA, and Constant) and the number of complications were analyzed. The effect size was calculated using Cohen's d-index.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were included, including a total of 1172 patients aged between 44.7 and 55 years. The mean follow-up time was 24.7 months. The combined ES estimates for the total score of the VAS, ASES, UCLA, and Constant scales were very strong (>1.0) for both debridement and combined debridement with suture. The ES estimates for the number of total complications were 1.75 (95% CI: 0.08-3.43, I2 = 0%) for debridement and 9.07 (95% CI: -0.03-18.17, I2 = 50.4%) for combined debridement with suture.

CONCLUSIONS

Both arthroscopic procedures improve the total score significantly on the EVA, ASES, UCLA, and Constant scales. However, a higher proportion of complications was observed in the group that performed suturing. In this regard, we must consider whether it is really necessary to repair all partial tears after the calcified deposits removal.

[Translated article] Translation, validation, and cultural adaptation of the HSS-ES scale (Hospital for Special Surgery's [HSS] Shoulder Surgery Expectations Survey)

INTRODUCTION

The questionnaire Hospital for Special Surgery Shoulder Surgery Expectations Survey (HSS-ES) is a tool used to assess the preoperative expectations of patients with shoulder pathologies. The purpose of this study is to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Spanish version of the HSS-ES questionnaire to assess preoperative expectations in Spanish-speaking patients.

METHODOLOGY

Questionnaire validation study, using a structured method where a survey-type tool was processed, evaluated and validated. The study involved 70 patients from the shoulder surgery outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital, with shoulder pathologies requiring surgery.

RESULTS

The version of the questionnaire translated into Spanish presented a very good internal consistency with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.94 and a very good reproducibility with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.99.

CONCLUSION

The HSS-ES questionnaire presents an adequate intragroup validation and a strong intergroup correlation according to the internal consistency analysis of the questionnaire and the ICC. Therefore, it is considered an adequate questionnaire to use in the Spanish-speaking population.

Treatment of calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff with ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration

OBJECTIVE

Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff is a common condition caused by the deposition of calcium crystals in the tendons of the rotator cuff. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration in calcific tendinopathy of the should in 86 patients treated at our center and to determine the factors associated with poor prognosis after this treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective descriptive study included 86 patients with calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff treated with ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration between 2015 and 2019 for whom clinical and radiological variables were collected 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

One year after treatment, 81.4% patients showed clinical improvement and 96.5% showed radiological improvement. Complications were observed in 34.9%; all complications were mild.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration is an effective treatment for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, resulting in a high rate of clinical and radiological improvement and a low rate of minor complications. This technique has additional advantages, such as interaction with the patient and the lack of ionizing radiation.

Arthroscopic bone block metal-free fixation for anterior shoulder instability. Short-term functional and radiological outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Anterior glenohumeral bone loss reconstruction reduces failure rates after soft tissue surgery in patients with large glenoid bone defects. Multiple bone block techniques have been described, most with metal hardware fixation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety, as well as the short-term functional and radiological results of an arthroscopic bone block metal-free fixation or bone block cerclage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with glenohumeral instability and>15% glenoid bone loss operated during 2019 with follow-up of at least 12 months. Radiography and computerized tomography studies were performed. Functional outcomes were evaluated before and after surgery with the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index and Rowe score.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients with a median age of 30.6 (SD 7.1) were included. All showed radiographic consolidation at 3 months follow-up. A percentage of 90.4 of bone grafts presented osteolysis at peripherical areas and 95.2% revealed consolidation in the areas with contact to the glenoid. The median glenoid estimated surface went from 79.3% before surgery to 98.4% at 12 months. Functional scores were statically significant (P<.001) for Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (35.6-86.9) and Rowe score (25.2 to 96.4). No serious complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

The bone block cerclage is a safe, metal-free technique that achieves total consolidation of the bone graft and favorable functional and radiological outcomes at 12 months follow-up.

Analysis of the results and adverse factors of arthroscopic repair of degenerative subscapular lesions

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a review of degenerative subscapularis ruptures (SSC) after their arthroscopic repair and to evaluate whether the results are comparable in terms of pain and function to those of younger patients with traumatic ruptures.

METHODS

The data of 80 SSC tears of the 660 rotator cuff tears operated on by the same team of surgeons from June 2008 to June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical data of the surgical indications were collected: age, gender, laterality, intervention delay, associated pathologies, location of pain, value of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Constant-Murley test (CMT); surgical data were also collected: type and size of lesion, associated biceps injury and associated surgical procedure, coracoid stenosis and associated surgical procedure, number and type of anchors used. A statistical study was performed with multiple linear regression test, parametric tests (Student's t or ANOVA) and non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

Of 80 patients, 36 were women (45%) and 44, men (55%); mean age 61years (range 47 to 81); mean delay of surgery 3.5months (range 1 to 6); right shoulder affected in 46 cases (57.5%), left in 34 (42.5%); 22 (27.5%) were isolated lesions, 58 (72.5%) were associated with supraspinatus rupture (SE). The mean improvement was 5.0 points in terms of the VAS and 39.9 points on average in the CMT. New breakage rate, 1.25%. Adverse factors: size of the tear, delay in intervention, women. Patients with type I-B rupture have a better overall result in the CMT than types I-A and III. The longer the delay, the worse results are observed, both for the VAS and the CMT. Women present worse and statistically significant results both in the VAS (P=.00) and in the CMT (P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent and good results have been obtained in this group of patients, but there are adverse factors such as the size of the tear, the duration of the symptoms and the association of other pathologies, especially in women.

[Test-retest reliability of standard goniometry and the G-pro smartphone in shoulder flexion-extension]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Currently, the lack of tools for physiotherapists, and the quality of these tools when physiotherapists assess patients does not allow a good diagnosis. Accurate joint range evaluation is an essential task in the daily work of physiotherapists in order to correctly assess treatment progress. In this study, we examined the reliability and safety of an Android system application called G-Pro to evaluate its characteristics and observe its usefulness as a goniometer to measure joint angles in a clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The standard goniometer and G-pro smartphone with the application were used to passively and bilaterally measure shoulder flexion and rotation and elbow flexion in 30 participants able to tolerate standing.

RESULTS

The G-pro smartphone application showed good to excellent reliability (r=0.998 to 0.896, P<.01), while the universal goniometer showed acceptable to questionable reliability (r=0.757 to 0.609) in active shoulder flexion-extension movement.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this study show that these devices represent an additional resource to assess joint mobility ranges. Due to technological progress, we can improve, innovate, and demonstrate the results of joint assessments to ensure their accuracy. This, in turn, ensures that the treatment provided is appropriate and specific to each patient. This tool is low cost and is accessible for health care professionals; moreover, it is easy to use since it has an incliniometer that is reliable both visually and evaluatively.

Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder with intraosseous extension: experience with arthroscopic treatment and review of the literature

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff is a common cause of shoulder pain. The aim of the present study was to show a rare presentation of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, the intraosseous extension, which can be mistaken for a bone tumour or an infectious disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two clinical cases of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder with intraosseous extension and a review of the literature are presented.

RESULTS

Cortical erosion, osteolytic lesion in the greater tuberosity and perilesional oedema were observed in both cases. Good results were achieved with shoulder arthroscopy including lesion debridement and reinsertion of the tendon in the greater tuberosity with an anchor.

CONCLUSIONS

In the presence of an osteolytic lesion with perilesional oedema in the greater tuberosity, the intraosseous expansion of a calcifying tendinopathy should be included in the differential diagnosis. In our cases the arthroscopic treatment was successful.

[Parsonage-Turner syndrome: Unknown but not infrequent. Apropos of 6 cases]

Shoulder pain is a common reason for seeking emergency, primary and specialist care. Parsonage-Turner syndrome should form part of the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain. Familiarity with the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of this syndrome could help prevent iatrogenic disease. We present 6 cases of Parsonage-Turner syndrome, a syndrome of unknown etiology with a typical clinical picture. All patients had acute onset of the syndrome with intense shoulder pain of approximately 3 weeks' duration. After this phase ended, there was noticeable weakness of the affected arm, causing muscular atrophy depending on the muscles affected by the neuropathy. Winged scapula was present in all patients. One patient showed alteration of sensitivity and another showed hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. After a complete physical examination, the patients underwent electromyographic study that confirmed the diagnosis. Analgesic treatment and rehabilitation were prescribed.

Outcomes of rotator cuff augmentation surgery with autologous fascia lata

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether augmentation grafts using autologous fascia lata improve functional results for rotator cuff repairs and reduce the retear rate compared to those without augmentation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a prospective evaluation comprising 20 patients with a complete symptomatic rotator cuff tear. The operations were carried out from a superior approach performing a total cuff repair, for 10 patients we used a suture augmented with an autologous graft taken from their own fascia lata while unaugmented sutures were used for the other 10 patients. The follow-up period lasted for one year post-intervention. We measured variables for tear type, functionality and pain, both baseline and at 6 and 12-month follow ups. We evaluated retear incidence in each group as well as each group's pain and functionality response.

RESULTS

The improved pain levels in the non-graft group evolved gradually over time. Conversely, in the group with the augmentation grafts, average Constant-Murley shoulder outcome scores at six months were already above 10 and were maintained at 12 months. One retear occurred in the graft group and 2 in the group without grafts, thus presenting no significant differences. There were no significant changes in pain and function values at the one year follow up in either group.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary results regarding rotator cuff augmentation surgery with autologous fascia lata showed a significant improvement in pain levels after 6 months compared to the patients with no augmentation, who required 12 months to reach the same values. After a year of follow up, there were no differences between the mean Constant and pain scores in either intervention group The number of retears in the non-graft group was greater than that in the group with grafts although the difference was not significant.

Patient reported activities after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff arthropathy patients

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff arthropathy patients, improves anteversion and abduction, but not rotational, outcomes. The main aim of this study is to determine its repercussions on daily life activities in our patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2009 and 2011 we implanted 210 shoulder arthroplasties, 126 of them were reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a rotator cuff arthropathy context. About 88% were women, with a mean age at time of surgery of 81 years, 95% were retired. The mean follow up was 53 months. The Constant scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Charlson Comorbidity Index, range of motion were measured for each patient and whether they could manage 40 daily life activities by means of a new questionnaire, classifying them according toshoulder functional demand.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Mean normalized by sex and age Constant value was 81.2%. Mean Visual Analogue Scale and Charlson Index were 3.56 and 1.69 respectively. Improvement in anteversion and abduction, not in rotational range of motion. Limitation was found in low and high functional demand activities in 20% and 51% respectively, especially those which involved internal rotation.

CONCLUSION

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty treatment for RCA in the elderly, achieves adequate pain management and good functional outcomes. Nevertheless, an important risk of DLA limitation must be accepted in those which involve internal rotation or shoulder high functional demand.

Correlation between physical examination and intraoperative findings in shoulder disease treated by arthroscopy. Statistical analysis of 150 patients

INTRODUCTION

Only a few clinical exploratory manoeuvres are truly discriminatory and useful in shoulder disease. The aim of this study is to correlate the physical examination results of the shoulder with the true diagnosis found by arthroscopy.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of 150 patients with the most common surgical conditions of the shoulder. Data were collected on the suspicion of each pathology, the physical examination of the patient, and the actual discovery of the disease during arthroscopic surgery.

RESULTS

The Bankart examination manoeuvres of the lesion show the best results, with a 92.1% positive prediction value (PPV), a 99.1% negative predictive value (NPV), followed by the impingement syndrome, with a PPV of 94.4%, and total cuff rupture with a PPV of 92.3%.Exploration of the superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion had an NPV of 99.1%.

CONCLUSION

Physical examination is sufficient to diagnose or rule out Bankart. A positive physical examination provides the complete rupture of the rotator cuff, and requires further studies. The patients suspected of subacromial syndrome only need an NMR if the physical tests are negative. The conclusions drawn from this work can have a significant impact on both cost savings (by reducing forward tests), and saving time in certain cases in which, after appropriate physical examination, surgery may be indicated without losing time in intermediate steps.

[New arthroscopic portal for performing tenotomy/tenodesis procedures on the long head of the biceps brachii tendon]

BACKGROUND

Shoulder arthroscopy is the standard technique for performing procedures involving the intertubercular groove. Current techniques continue to produce excessive soft tissue manipulation and neurovascular injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study was conducted on a cohort of 24 shoulders following the standard surgical protocol and using punch dissection. The neurovascular structures with risk of damage by the standard lateral portal were evaluated during the study to establish a secure area for a new arthroscopic portal. Finally, the safety of the new proposed site was evaluated.

RESULTS

The presence of 24 venous structures, with a mean diameter was 1.05mm (SD: 0.71) was documented. A tendency was observed in locating these structures in the lower half of the dissecting field for the left shoulders and a hypovascular area between the 7 and 10hours circle dissected relative to the right shoulder. The new site was determined at a point 1.5 cm anterolateral to the anterolateral border of the acromion at an angle of 60° degrees to the horizontal axis of the acromion and towards the intertubercular groove of the humerus.

CONCLUSIONS

The methodology used in this study is innovative, reproducible and applicable for the study of all existing shoulder arthroscopic portals procedures, as well as any joint. The results provided by this study will be helpful for clinicians to improve tenotomy/tendon tenodesis procedures of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon.

Distension test in passive external rotation: Validation of a new clinical test for the early diagnosis of shoulder adhesive capsulitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the internal validity of a clinical test for the early diagnosis of shoulder adhesive capsulitis, called the Distension Test in Passive External Rotation (DTPER).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The DTPER is performed with the patient standing up, the arm adducted, and the elbow bent at 90°. From this position, a smooth passive external rotation is started, the affected arm being supporting at the wrist with one hand of the examiner and the other maintaining the adducted elbow until the maximum painless point of the rotation is reached. From this point of maximum external rotation with the arm in adduction and with no pain, an abrupt distension movement is made, increasing the external rotation, causing pain in the shoulder if the test is positive. This term was performed on a group of patients with shoulder pain of many origins, in order to analyse the predictive values, sensitivity, specificity, and the likelihood ratio.

RESULTS

The DTPER showed a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI; 91.8 to 100%) and a specificity of 90% (95% CI; 82.4 to 94.8%). The positive predictive value was 0.62 and a likelihood ratio of 10.22 (95% CI; 5.5 to 19.01). False positives were only found in patients with subscapular tendinopathies or glenohumeral arthrosis.

DISCUSSION

The DTPER has a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis, and is excluded when it is practically negative. False positives can easily be identified if there is external rotation with no limits (subscapular tendinopathy) or with a simple shoulder X-ray (glenohumeral arthrosis).