Preface

Shoulder injury is a reason for everyday pain in thousands of patients every year. The 340-degree range of movement (ROM) of the shoulder is the cause of many pathologies of the rotator cuff (RC) tendons. Impingement syndrome, rotator cuff rupture, shoulder fractures, and RC arthropathy are painful conditions of the upper extremity resulting in serious discomfort. Shoulder pathology is primarily diagnosed by history and physical examination. The mainstay of treatment involves early identification before the onset of degenerative changes, physical therapy exercises to strengthen the shoulder girdle, and pharmacological interventions to decrease inflammation.

This book describes the pathology, evaluation, and management of shoulder RC pathology and shoulder arthritic changes (arthropathy) and highlights the role of an interprofessional team in the care of patients with these conditions. Open and arthroscopic techniques, especially in the last decade, have changed therapeutic solutions, minimizing the possibility of RC arthropathy and arthritis. In addition, new conservative therapies with stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have opened a new field of treatment for shoulder injuries.

> **Dr. Dimitrios D. Nikolopoulos and Dr. George K. Safos** Central Clinic of Athens, Athens, Greece
