Clinical Evaluation Prior to Shoulder Arthroplasty

Summary

The preoperative clinical evaluation of a patient presenting with shoulder pathology which might be treated by an arthroplasty consists of three equally important elements: the history, giving information about any relevant medical conditions, the clinical examination, and the standard radiological investigations, which often give information as to the aetiology of the diseased joint. The clinical examination must be bilateral and involve the whole upper limb. It allows the patient’s morphotype to be assessed as well as the active and passive range of movement in the shoulder. The goal is for the surgeon to be aware of any elements which might alter the indications for surgery or have a direct influence on the technicalities of the operation and the postoperative functional prognosis. The clinical examination allows a preoperative functional evaluation to be determined which serves as a reference level for the follow-up period. Finally, it establishes a relationship of trust between the surgeon and the patient thanks to the information given about the role and duration of rehabilitation and on the functional result that can be expected after shoulder arthroplasty depending on the age of the patient and the aetiology of his diseased shoulder.