Study shows how radiologists can effectively identify shoulder injuries, improve patient outcomes

Shoulder injuries are among the most frequently encountered musculoskeletal injuries treated in emergency departments. One new study shows how radiologists can more effectively identify these injuries and improve patient outcomes.

"The severity of shoulder injuries are often underestimated," said Dr. Scott Sheehan, lead author for the study. "Subtle injuries can have significant consequences if not recognized and treated promptly." Sheehan and his co-authors began studying the effects of traumatic shoulder injuries after one of his radiology mentors suffered a shoulder dislocation with a subtle yet significant associated injury. He said, "When radiologists understand the common mechanisms of primary shoulder injuries, they can more appropriately direct their attention to the most clinically significant associated secondary bony or soft tissue injuries."

During their presentation at the 2012 ARRS Annual Meeting in Vancouver, BC Sheehan and his team will present simple and practical protocols for understanding the mechanisms of primary shoulder injuries and the most commonly used injury classification systems. Sheehan noted, "Radiologists should have working knowledge of the treatment decision points for different types of shoulder injuries. Early detection of these injuries can ideally lead to improved timeliness of appropriate treatment and ultimately improved functional outcomes."

The study will be available on April 28, 2012 at the 2012 ARRS Annual Meeting in Vancouver, Canada.