Management of shoulder pain after a cerebrovascular accident or traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain after a cerebrovascular accident or traumatic brain injury is a common but often under-recognized problem. It is due to a number of causes including inferior subluxation, spasticity, adhesive capsulitis, and heterotopic ossification. Many of these are amenable to surgical intervention.

METHODS: Literature review of current evidence.

RESULTS: This article shows that there are multiple treatment options in this group of patients, and it is important to understand these as clinicians in delivering quality care to this complex group of patients.

CONCLUSION: This review article describes how careful clinical assessment can differentiate between causes of shoulder pain and guide best management.