Abstract
BACKGROUND: Shoulder soft tissue disorders, such as rotator cuff tears and subacromial impingement, are among the most common causes of musculoskeletal disability. Both physical examination tests and imaging techniques are routinely used in clinical settings; however, their respective contributions to patient outcomes and their potential complementarity remain underexplored. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Controlled clinical studies comparing pre- and post-intervention outcomes in adults with suspected or confirmed shoulder soft tissue pathology were included. Two groups were analyzed: studies using musculoskeletal imaging (ultrasound or MRI) and studies applying orthopedic physical examination tests (e.g., Neer, Hawkins, and Jobe). Functional outcomes were converted into standardized mean differences (SMDs) and synthesized using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I(2) statistic. RESULTS: In total, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 6 imaging, n = 5 orthopedic tests). Imaging-based studies showed a pooled SMD of 4.85 (95% CI: 2.77-6.93), indicating substantial clinical improvement. Orthopedic test-based studies yielded a pooled SMD of 2.34 (95% CI: 1.27-3.41). Heterogeneity was high across both groups (I(2) > 90%). CONCLUSIONS: Imaging was associated with a larger overall clinical effect, while orthopedic tests provided functional insight valuable for screening and monitoring. These findings support the complementary use of both strategies to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning in shoulder care.