Imaging Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Shoulders
Author Information
Author(s): Ibounig Thomas, Rämö Lasse, Haas Romi, Jones Mark, Järvinen Teppo L. N., Taimela Simo, Docking Sean, Sanders Sharon, Buchbinder Rachelle
Primary Institution: University of Helsinki
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of acromioclavicular joint and subacromial space imaging abnormalities in asymptomatic adults?
Conclusion
The prevalence of AC joint and subacromial space abnormalities in asymptomatic shoulders is highly variable and often comparable to that in symptomatic shoulders.
Supporting Evidence
- Imaging abnormalities are frequently observed in asymptomatic adults.
- Structural changes in shoulders can be similar in both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals.
- Further research is needed to clarify prevalence estimates.
Takeaway
Even if your shoulder doesn't hurt, doctors often find problems in it when they take pictures. This study looked at how common these problems are in people who feel fine.
Methodology
A systematic review of studies examining shoulder imaging abnormalities detected by various imaging techniques in asymptomatic adults.
Potential Biases
All included studies were deemed to have a high overall risk of bias.
Limitations
The certainty of evidence was very low due to high risk of bias, imprecision, and indirectness across studies.
Participant Demographics
Participants included asymptomatic adults aged 18 years and older, with a mix of populations including athletes and healthcare populations.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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