Shoulder Red Flags

• Step 1 - Red flags:

  • trauma, pain and weakness - acute cuff tear?
  • mass or swelling - tumour?
  • red skin, fever or systemically unwell - infection?
  • trauma/epileptic fit/electric shock leading to loss of rotation and abnormal shape - unreduced dislocation?
• Red flags - Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency:

  • dizziness
  • diplopia
  • dysarthria
  • dysphagia
  • drop attacks
• Red Flag Indicators:

  • constant night pain
  • dizziness
  • loss of consciousness
  • traumatic brain injury
  • neurological deficits
  • history of trauma
  • saddle anaesthesia
  • numbness - cauda equina syndrome
  • history of cancer
  • recent infection