Patient is a 55-year-old female, referred by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, General Practitioner, presenting with left shoulder pain.
History of Presenting Complaint
- The patient complains of a 3-month history of dull, aching pain in her left shoulder, insidious in onset, with no specific injury mechanism. Symptoms are exacerbated by overhead activities.
- Pain is described as 6/10 at its worst, interfering significantly with dressing, reaching for objects, and sleeping on her left side due to night pain. She finds it difficult to lift her arm above shoulder height.
- Previous Treatments: She has tried paracetamol and ibuprofen with minimal relief. She completed a 6-week course of physiotherapy which provided temporary improvement but symptoms quickly recurred. No injections were previously administered.
Past Medical History
- Relevant orthopaedic or systemic conditions: Mild osteoarthritis in knees, otherwise healthy.
- Allergies: Penicillin (rash).
- Medications: Ramipril 5mg OD, Atorvastatin 20mg OD.
- Social History: Non-smoker, rarely consumes alcohol (socially, 1-2 units/week). Works as an administrative assistant, low activity levels outside of work.
Examination
- Inspection: Mild atrophy noted in the left deltoid and supraspinatus fossa. No swelling or erythema. Old, well-healed appendectomy scar on the abdomen.
- Tenderness: Moderate tenderness to palpation over the left greater tuberosity and anterior aspect of the acromion.
- Active Range of Motion: Left shoulder: FE 120/180, AB 110/180, ER 40/90, IR L3. Right shoulder: FE 180/180, AB 180/180, ER 90/90, IR T7.
- Special Tests Rotator Cuff:
- Biceps: Yergason's test negative, Speed's test negative.
- Subscapularis: Push Off test weak and painful, Belly Press test weak and painful.
- Supraspinatus: Jobe's test positive and painful on the left.
- Infraspinatus: External Rotation Pain test positive on the left, External Rotation Lag test negative.
- Teres Minor: Hornblower's sign negative.
- Impingement Tests: Neer's and Hawkins-Kennedy tests both positive on the left, reproducing patient's pain.
- Special Tests Laxity/Instability:
- Sulcus Sign: Negative.
- Anterior Drawer Test: Negative.
- Posterior Drawer Test: Negative.
- Apprehension Test: Negative.
- Relocation Test: Negative.
- O'Brian's Test: Negative.
- Grind Test: Negative.
- Posterior Labrum Traction and Slide Test: Negative.
- Kim's Lesion Test: Negative.
- Neurovascular Status: Radial, ulnar, and median nerve sensation intact and motor function normal. Capillary refill brisk in all digits. No neurovascular deficits noted.
Special Investigations
X-Rays
- Left shoulder X-rays (AP, Y-view, Axillary) show mild superior migration of the humeral head and subacromial spurring. No glenohumeral arthritis.
Ultrasound
- Biceps Tendon: Mild tenosynovitis with a small amount of fluid in the sheath.
- ACJ: Minor degenerative changes, no significant effusions.
- Subscapularis: Partial thickness tear, 5mm x 3mm, with fraying.
- Supraspinatus: Full thickness tear, 1.5cm in maximum anteroposterior dimension, involving the anterior fibres, with retraction to the level of the glenoid. No muscle atrophy noted.
- Infraspinatus: Tendinopathy, no tear identified.
- Teres Minor: Normal.
- Subdeltoid Subacromial Bursa: Moderate bursitis with fluid collection.
- Dynamic tests showed impingement of the supraspinatus tendon under the acromion during abduction.
- Posterior Labrum: Intact.
- Posterior Glenoid Notch: Normal.
- Posterior Inferior Capsule Thickness: 2.1mm.
- Additional Comments: Overall findings consistent with significant rotator cuff pathology and impingement.
Assessment
- Rotator cuff tear (full thickness supraspinatus, partial thickness subscapularis) left shoulder.
- Subacromial impingement left shoulder.
- Biceps tenosynovitis left shoulder.
- The condition significantly impacts her quality of life, limiting her independence in daily tasks and causing sleep disturbance.
Plan
- Discussion included non-surgical options (further physiotherapy, corticosteroid injection) and surgical repair. Patient prefers a surgical approach given the chronicity and severity of symptoms and failure of conservative management.
- Recommended surgical procedure: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of the left shoulder with subacromial decompression and biceps tenodesis. The procedure, implants, rehabilitation protocol, and potential benefits and complications were discussed in detail. Patient provided informed verbal consent for surgery and wishes to proceed.
- Potential Risks of Surgery Discussed Included But Is Not Limited To infection, deep vein thrombosis, stiffness, persistent pain, nerve or vessel injury, re-tear, and major systemic risks such as cardiac events or pulmonary embolism.
- Patient education materials regarding post-operative care and rehabilitation protocols were provided.
- Referral made for pre-operative assessment with the anaesthetist and to the specialist orthopaedic nurse for pre-admission counselling.
- Surgery Planned For 1 November 2024.
Other Investigations
Tests Not Performed or Discussed: MRI was discussed but not deemed necessary at this stage due to clear ultrasound findings and the patient's strong preference for surgery, making it unlikely to change the management plan.
Additional Comments
- Patient mentioned recent relocation, which has added some stress but is not directly impacting her physical symptoms.
- A billing discount for early payment was discussed: 10% discount for payment within 7 days.
[Patient age, gender, referring clinician name and role, and presenting complaint with location] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely. Write in full sentences.)
History of Presenting Complaint
- [Patient complaint, mechanism of injury, and duration of symptoms] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely. Write in full sentences.)
- [Description of pain, impact on activities of daily living, and any night pain] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely. Write in full sentences.)
- Previous Treatments: [Summary of previous treatments including medications, injections, physiotherapy, and other modalities, and their effect] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
Past Medical History
- [Relevant orthopaedic or systemic conditions] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Allergies: [List of allergies and associated reactions] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Medications: [List of current medications] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Social History: [Summary of smoking status, alcohol use, and activity levels] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
Examination
- Inspection: [Summary of inspection findings such as atrophy, swelling, or scars] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Tenderness: [Summary of palpation findings for tenderness across relevant anatomical sites] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Active Range of Motion: [Details of active and passive range of motion comparing the affected side to the contralateral side, including specific movements using summarised format such as "FE 120/180"] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Special Tests Rotator Cuff:
- Biceps: [Results of Yergason's test and Speed's test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Subscapularis: [Results of Push Off test and Belly Press test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Supraspinatus: [Results of Jobe's test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Infraspinatus: [Results of External Rotation Pain or Lag test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Teres Minor: [Results of Hornblower's sign] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Impingement Tests: [Results of impingement tests performed] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Special Tests Laxity/Instability:
- Sulcus Sign: [Result of Sulcus sign] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Anterior Drawer Test: [Result of Anterior Drawer test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Posterior Drawer Test: [Result of Posterior Drawer test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Apprehension Test: [Result of Apprehension test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Relocation Test: [Result of Relocation test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- O'Brian's Test: [Result of O'Brian's test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Grind Test: [Result of Grind test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Posterior Labrum Traction and Slide Test: [Result of Posterior Labrum Traction and Slide test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Kim's Lesion Test: [Result of Kim's Lesion test] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Neurovascular Status: [Details of neurovascular examination findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
Special Investigations
X-Rays
- [Summary of X-ray findings including specific pathologies noted] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
Ultrasound
- Biceps Tendon: [Findings related to the biceps tendon] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- ACJ: [Findings related to the acromioclavicular joint] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Subscapularis: [Findings related to the subscapularis] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Supraspinatus: [Findings related to the supraspinatus including tear measurements] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Infraspinatus: [Findings related to the infraspinatus] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Teres Minor: [Findings related to teres minor] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Subdeltoid Subacromial Bursa: [Findings related to the subdeltoid subacromial bursa] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- [Findings related to dynamic tests performed during ultrasound] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Posterior Labrum: [Findings related to the posterior labrum] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Posterior Glenoid Notch: [Findings related to the posterior glenoid notch] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Posterior Inferior Capsule Thickness: [Measurement of posterior inferior capsule thickness in mm] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Additional Comments: [Any additional comments on the ultrasound findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
MRI
- [Summary of MRI findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
CT
- [Summary of CT findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
NCS
- [Summary of nerve conduction study findings] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
Assessment
- [Working diagnosis with summary of related pathologies] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely. Do not invent or infer a diagnosis. Write as bullet points.)
- [Impact of the condition on quality of life] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
Plan
- [Summary of discussion of non-surgical and surgical options] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- [Recommended surgical procedure and confirmation that the procedure, implants, rehabilitation, benefits, and complications were discussed, and consent status] (Only include if surgery is explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Potential Risks of Surgery Discussed Included But Is Not Limited To [List of specific surgical risks discussed such as infection, deep vein thrombosis, stiffness, pain, nerve or vessel injury, and major systemic risks] (Only include if surgical risks are explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- [Details of any patient education materials provided] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- [Referrals made for further surgical planning including specialist nurse referral or preoperative imaging] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- Surgery Planned For [Date of planned surgery] (Only include if a surgery date is explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- [Summary of non-surgical plan including any injections, physiotherapy, and follow-up arrangements] (Only include if a non-surgical plan is explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- "Injected 2ml Celestone and 10ml Marcaine under ultrasound guidance and sterile technique into the" [anatomical site of injection such as subdeltoid bursa, biceps sheath, acromioclavicular joint, or knee] (Only include if an injection is explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- [Details of the patient's decision-making process including any options being considered or next steps being scheduled] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
Other Investigations
Tests Not Performed or Discussed: [Summary of investigations that were considered but not performed or not discussed, with rationale] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
Additional Comments
- [Summary of any current or recent personal stressors mentioned including bereavement, family illness, relocation, or employment changes] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)
- [Details of any billing discount discussed including the type of discount or the amount or percentage] (Only include if explicitly mentioned in transcript, contextual notes, or clinical note, else omit section entirely.)