A 62-year-old, obese factory worker complains of pain in his right shoulder on arm abduction; on evaluation, decreased ROM and strength are noted. You also notice that he is beginning to use accessory muscles to substitute movements and to compensate. These symptoms may indicate __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of pain and decreased range of motion and strength on arm abduction, along with the use of accessory muscles, suggest a rotator cuff strain or impingement. This is a common injury in manual labor jobs, especially in older and obese individuals. Referred pain from a herniated lumbar disk, angina, and advanced stages of multiple sclerosis would typically present with different symptoms and signs.

A 62-Year-Old, Obese Factory Worker Complains of Pain in His