Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Excerpt

Shoulder pain is a common indication for visits to primary care or orthopedic clinic worldwide. The estimated prevalence of shoulder complaints is 7% to 34%, often with shoulder impingement syndrome as the underlying etiology. Since it was first described in 1852, shoulder impingement syndrome is believed to be the most common cause of shoulder pain, accounting for 44% to 65% of all shoulder complaints. Similarly, of the 20% to 50% of people within the United Kingdom who seek shoulder pain treatment from a general practitioner, 25% of these individuals are then diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome. Not only is shoulder pain common, but it is often a chronic and/or relapsing complaint, with 54% of patients affected by shoulder pain reporting persistent symptoms after 3 years.