Differential diagnosis of common shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is a common problem in outpatient medical practice. Shoulder pain usually causes disability in activities of daily living, and therefore its proper diagnosis and management are essential. The prevalence of shoulder pain in Korea has been gradually increasing, and the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain has become more important. In Korea, the most common causes of shoulder pain are rotator cuff disease, including impingement syndrome (31%), adhesive capsulitis (35%), and calcific tendinitis (4%). This article presents the pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, typical physical examination findings and provocation tests, and radiologic findings of common shoulder diseases, including rotator cuff disease, adhesive capsulitis, and calcific tendinitis, to provide a guide to differential diagnosis. Common shoulder diseases can be easily diagnosed with careful history taking and precise physical examination; moreover, ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic tool for rotator cuff disease and can also assist with the differential diagnosis of shoulder diseases in the outpatient clinic.