The patient may have a history of:
(1) traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder
(2) a violent hyperextension of the arm
(3) a violent external rotation of the adducted arm
(4) other form of injury to the shoulder
Typical clinical findings:
(1) pain when using the arm overhead
(2) pain when the arm is used below shoulder level
(3) anterior shoulder pain at night
(4) weakness in the upper extremity
Variable findings may include:
(1) shoulder pain that radiates into the forearm
(2) swelling of the forearm in the affected arm
A patient with a suitable history and suggestive clinical findings should undergo a careful clinical examination that assessed the subscapularis muscle.
