QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is incredibly unlikely in this chronic case of joint pain and stiffness with no systemic upset.
10035904
c
Septic arthritis
QuestionChoice
This is correct. This is suggestive of a diagnosis of frozen shoulder with shoulder pain, stiffness and limitations in primarily external rotation in a middle-aged diabetic.
10035902
a
Adhesive capsulitis
QuestionChoice
This is an excellent differential producing pain and reduced range of motion over a similar timeframe to adhesive capsulitis. Rotator cuff injuries are more likely in occupations where the arm is likely to be overused e.g. carpenter. The key distinction is that patients with rotator cuff injuries can typically lift their arms by themselves whereas patients with frozen shoulders typically need assistance.
10035903
b
Supraspinatus tendinopathy
QuestionChoice
An important differential to consider in chronic bone pain, however this typically occurs in younger patients and would not tend to cause such profound "freezing".
10035906
e
Osteosarcoma
QuestionChoice
This would likely occur acutely and secondary to trauma and would present with intense pain and a visible deformity.
10035905
d
Anterior shoulder dislocation
Concept
Chapter
2693
4391
Frozen shoulder
Topic
145
Orthopaedics
19584
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, commonly presents with pain and stiffness, particularly in diabetics, affecting daily activities such as dressing.
A 43-year-old diabetic woman attends the GP with a six-month history of left shoulder pain and stiffness with increasing difficulty in bathing and dressing on the left side, now requiring daily assistance. She denies trauma and works as a receptionist.

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
a