Orthopedic Conditions

The development of quality indicators for orthopedic conditions began with a MEDLINE search of the English language literature from 1985 to the present using subject headings for knee pain, shoulder pain, and various joint-specific disorders. Additional review articles and clinical trials were identified by reviewing the reference sections of articles previously identified. Patients presenting with acute and subacute orthopedic complaints comprise a large proportion of all ambulatory care visits to primary care providers (Barker, 1991). The most common disorders not related to the back or neck involve the knee and the shoulder. This chapter provides an overview of important conditions for patients presenting with knee and shoulder complaints, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. We have concentrated on the most common causes of acute or subacute knee and shoulder complaints. For that reason, screening, diagnosis, and treatment for osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any of the crystalline-induced arthropathies will not be addressed in this chapter.