The evaluation of a shoulder injury begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a shoulder injury may include:

• Shoulder bruise
• Shoulder pain:
• Worse with movement of the shoulder
• Deformed shoulder
• Shoulder swelling
• Shoulder tenderness
• Poor circulation to the hand

Tests may not be necessary to make the diagnosis of a shoulder injury.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a shoulder injury include:

• X-rays of the shoulder:
• Normal x-ray
• Clavicle fracture
• Shoulder dislocation
• Shoulder or humerus fracture
• Arthroscopy of the shoulder
• Arthrogram of the shoulder
• MRI scan of the shoulder

For more information:

• Rotator cuff tear evaluation
• Shoulder A-C separation evaluation
• Shoulder contusion evaluation
• Shoulder dislocation evaluation
• Shoulder fracture evaluation
• Shoulder sprain evaluation