Shoulder pain in older people.

Shoulder pain is encountered commonly in older people. Most of the conditions are amenable to nonoperative treatment, but a clear understanding of the anatomy and those conditions encountered most commonly is essential. A careful history and physical examination, as well as limited diagnostic tests, point to a clear diagnosis in the majority of patients. Most often, conservative measures are effective. Steroid injections are often helpful for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. A small percentage of patients do not respond to conservative management and require operative intervention.