Shoulder Disorders: The Challenging Issue Among Orthopedic Surgeons

Choose a proper therapeutic approach for various shoulder joint involvements is still a significant challenge. 

The study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of orthopedic surgeons in managing patients with shoulder problems.

In a cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire consisted of 2 different parts was directly presented to orthopedic surgeons. Part 1 investigated the experience of shoulder surgeries, and part 2 evaluated their knowledge and attitude toward 4 patients with different scenarios.

The surgeons were divided into 2 groups: shoulder surgeons (n=17) and general orthopedic surgeons (n=192). The first scenario is about a 21-year-old male with first anterior shoulder dislocation. In this scenario, shoulder surgeons chose surgical intervention more than general surgeons (88.21% vs 33.54%, P<0.05). The second scenario presents a 55-year-old male with shoulder osteoarthritis and complete and repairable rupture of supraspinatus and rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon. Shoulder surgeons chose total shoulder arthroplasty (43.8%) and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (37.5%). But, only 21.87% of general orthopedic surgeons choose these two items together. The third scenario is a 65-year-old male with supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon rupture. Sixteen of 17 shoulder surgeons answered this case, and 100% chose surgical interventions (62.5% arthroscopic and 37.5% open repair). On the other hand, 180 general surgeons of 192 answered this case scenario, and only 41.11% chose surgical treatment. The fourth scenario presents a 52-year-old female with refractor adhesive capsulitis. Arthroscopic capsular release and manipulation was the most frequent answer among shoulder surgeons compared to general surgeons (64.71% vs 31.38%). 

It seems that an advanced course of shoulder surgeries is necessary to improve the knowledge of general orthopedic surgeons about shoulder diseases and treatment choices.