The development of quality indicators for orthopedic conditions began with a MEDLINE search of the English language literature from 1985 to the present using subject headings for knee pain, shoulder pain, and various joint-specific disorders. Additional review articles and clinical trials were identified by reviewing the reference sections of articles previously identified. Patients presenting ...

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this pilot study was to assess shoulder morbidity; i.e. pain and disability in daily activities, at least 1 year after unilateral or bilateral supraomohyoid neck dissection. PATIENTS AND METHODS 52 patients having been subjected to a supraomohyoid neck dissection completed a questionnaire assessing pain and daily activities. RESULTS 14 (28%) patients complained o...

This paper discusses the rationale for and content of a newly developed treatment for shoulder complaints, and describes a randomised study which is currently being conducted to test effectiveness of the treatment. In current practice, approximately 50% of all patients with shoulder complaints mention limitations in the performance of daily activities and persisting pain after six months. To im...

BACKGROUND Shoulder complaints in scaffolders are very common and may result in permanent disability. METHODS We present two case reports of patients who developed acute shoulder complaints. After lifting weights up to 50 kg both patients suffered an isolated lesion of the long thoracic nerve resulting in serratus anterior paralysis. RESULTS Physical signs are unilateral winging of the scap...

Background: Ergonomic training had been implemented for prevention or reduction of neck and shoulder complaints among workers. The purpose of the present study was to assess the role of ergonomic training intervention on decreasing the prevalence of neck and shoulder complaints among workers of an automobile factory. Methods: Within the present randomized clinical trial, the role of three ergon...

BACKGROUND Ergonomic training had been implemented for prevention or reduction of neck and shoulder complaints among workers. The purpose of the present study was to assess the role of ergonomic training intervention on decreasing the prevalence of neck and shoulder complaints among workers of an automobile factory. METHODS Within the present randomized clinical trial, the role of three ergon...

BACKGROUND Complaints of Arm Neck and Shoulder (CANS) represent a wide range of complaints, which can differ in severity from mild, periodic symptoms to severe, chronic and debilitating conditions. They are thought to be associated with both physical and psychosocial risk factors. The measurement and identification of the various risk factors for these complaints is an important step towards re...

BACKGROUND Complaints of arm, neck and shoulder are a major health problem in Western societies and a huge economic burden due to sickness absence and health-care costs. In 2003 the 12-month prevalence's in the Netherlands were estimated at 31.4% for neck pain, 30.3% for shoulder pain, and 17.5% for wrist and hand pain. Research data suggest that these complaints are increasingly common among u...