A patient presents to his physician with anterior shoulder pain for several months.He has had no recent injury and there is no relief with NSAIDs, ice, heat, and gentle range-of-motion exercises.Radiographs of the shoulder demonstrate small microcalcifications of the subacromial space.What is the differential diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of small microcalcifications in the subacromial space is most consistent with a diagnosis of calcific tendinitis. Rotator cuff tears may also present with anterior shoulder pain, but the imaging findings would typically show a tear or degeneration of the rotator cuff tendon. Labral tears and anterior shoulder dislocations may also cause anterior shoulder pain, but the imaging findings would show a tear or displacement of the labrum or the humeral head respectively.

A Patient Presents to His Physician with Anterior Shoulder Pain