Interprofessional Inconsistencies in the Diagnosis of Shoulder Instability: Survey Results of Physicians and Rehabilitation Providers.

Responses came from self-selected clinicians contacted through professional organizations and social media, so they may not represent all shoulder care providers. Of 1202 responses, 897 completed and 9 were excluded, leaving 888 analyzed; this may not reflect all clinicians. The survey asked about written scenarios, not real patients, and the scenarios were short, exam-heavy, and omitted additional clinical, radiographic, and demographic information. It measured perceived importance and scenario choices, not diagnostic accuracy or patient outcomes. Some clinical factors used in practice were not rated.

Funding: NIH (NIAMS F31AR074288, NIGMS T32GM008152), Northwestern University, American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy, Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, American Physical Therapy Association. ALS reports grants from the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research and NIH outside the submitted work, and roles with the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists, Journal Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. XL reports consultant fees, royalties, I.P., and non-financial support from FH Ortho and consultant fees from Mitek-Depuy outside the submitted work, plus editorial and society roles. GM reports royalties from Zimmer Biomet outside the submitted work. Remaining authors declared none.

Do not read this as proof that one specialty diagnoses shoulder instability better or that any treatment works. It reports self-selected clinicians' ratings and choices in brief written scenarios, not real diagnostic accuracy or patient outcomes.