Article Figures & Data
Tables
Additional Files
Supplemental Tables
Supplemental Table 1. Specific Diagnoses Included in Study; Supplemental Table 2. Univariate Associations With Common Management Options; Results of Univariate Logistic Regression Analyses (Multilevel)
Files in this Data Supplement:
- Supplemental data: Tables 1-2 - PDF file, 3 pages, 136 KB
The Article in Brief
Management Decisions in Nontraumatic Complaints of Arm, Neck, and Shoulder in General Practice
Anita Feleus, and colleagues
Background Complaints about the arm, neck, and shoulder are common in Western societies, but there is wide variation in the management of these complaints. This study evaluated associations between diagnosis and characteristics of the patient, complaint, and general practitioner and 6 common management decisions in patients with nontraumatic arm, neck, and shoulder complaints.
What This Study Found In treating arm, neck, and should conditions, a long duration of complaints and many limitations in functioning were most frequently associated with the choice of a management option. This study of 682 patients seen in 21 Dutch general practices also identified several physician characteristics that appear to play a role in determining the course of treatment.
Implications
- The lack of solid evidence in favor of the treatment options explored in this study may explain variability in management of these conditions and may leave more room for personal preferences of both the patient and doctor.