The Shoulder and Elbow in General Practice

This is a significant revision of the original text. It works best on the iPad with Iowan font when the size is one above the smallest option available.

The management of upper limb conditions can often seem complex with multiple pathologies frequently co-existing in a single patient. The many conditions can often cause significant morbidity and severe functional disability.

Throughout this text we adhere to the Apley system of joint examination. This system is the gold standard for the assessment of patients presenting with any orthopaedic problem. Over the chapters we go through the history and examination of specific joints, but I would encourage you get a simple book such as Apley and Solomon’s ‘Physical Examination in Orthopaedics’. The target audience of this text is GPs at any stage of their career, however I hope that many other groups including physiotherapists, medical students and junior doctors will find it helpful in developing their knowledge and skills.