Potential Misinformation in the Official Disability Guidelines About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Darby Dwyer; Shyam S Ramachandran; Kyle McCall; Masen Ragsdale; David Ring; Sina Ramtin

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003146

Potential Misinformation in the Official Disability Guidelines About the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

J Occup Environ Med. 2024 May 10. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003146. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Darby Dwyer¹, Shyam S Ramachandran, Kyle McCall, Masen Ragsdale, David Ring, Sina Ramtin

Affiliation

¹ Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Health Discovery Building, 1701 Trinity Street, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.

PMID: 38729188
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003146

Abstract

Objective: We selected statements in the Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) that had the potential to reinforce misconceptions regarding symptoms from rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT). These statements were revised and presented with the original statement to specialists.

Methods: Twelve statements regarding RCT were identified as deviating from principles based on ethics, values, and the evidence regarding both pathophysiology and human illness behavior. One hundred fifteen upper extremity surgeons reviewed both original and revised versions of the statements and indicated their preference.

Results: We found that upper extremity surgeons preferred 3 revised statements, 4 ODG statements, and 5 were rated as neutral between the 2 statements.

Conclusion: Statements revised for evidence, ethics, and healthy mindset were not preferred by specialists, which may indicate limited awareness about how negative thoughts and distressing symptoms impact human illness.