The droopy shoulder syndrome

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2001 May;121(5):254-6. doi: 10.1007/s004020000218.

Abstract

Droopy shoulder syndrome (DSS) is characterized by a depression of the shoulders that stretches the brachial plexus, thus causing pain without any signs of neurological impairment. We describe ten patients with DSS; all had been treated for different diagnoses before. Contrary to previous reports, three patients had unilateral involvement, and five had accompanying disease of the cervical-shoulder region. All patients responded well to conservative treatment in 2-10 weeks. DSS must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of pain in the cervical-shoulder region, to prevent unnecessary medication.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brachial Plexus / pathology*
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Shoulder Pain / rehabilitation*
  • Syndrome