Shoulder pain that is not shoulder pathology – a shoulder surgeon's guide to concomitant cervical spine and rotator cuff disease

JSES Reviews Reports and Techniques 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Gregory R. Sprowls, Mitchell C. Parker, Thomas R. Denninger, Charles A. Thigpen, Adam D. Lutz, Stephan G. Pill, Timothy McHenry, Michael J. Kissenberth
DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100690
Cited by: 0
References: 48

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff and cervical spine disease are complex and nuanced conditions that commonly coexist, creating a challenging treatment paradigm. Methods: An algorithmic approach to diagnosis and management is developed in this study and illustrated through clinical vignettes. Results: The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of concomitant shoulder and neck conditions may be simplified by this approach. Conclusion: Shoulder surgeons should seek cervical disease with a high index of suspicion and understand cervical conditions that may take surgical precedence to rotator cuff repair.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Shoulder Injury and Treatment Cervical and Thoracic Myelopathy Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

Publication details

Journal / source
JSES Reviews Reports and Techniques
Volume
6
Issue
2
Pages
100690–100690
Publication date
7 February 2026
Language
EN