Frequency of Metabolic syndrome in Patients with Shoulder Pain

Objectives: Shoulder pain is a common cause of disability. There are few studies in the literature linking Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) with shoulder pain and shoulder pathologies. This study aims to determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients with shoulder pain; and whether there was a difference between the two groups in terms of severity and characteristics of shoulder pain. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, the target population consisted of subjects aged 18 years or older applying to outpatient clinic with shoulder pain. Detailed shoulder examinations were performed. Waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index were calculated. Blood pressures were measured. Fasting blood glucose and lipids level were recorded. A Visual Analogue Scale for current pain was applied. Results: MetS was diagnosed in 44 of 104 patients. The most common shoulder problems of patients with MetS; were partial tear of rotator cuff muscles, frozen shoulder, and supraspinatus tendinitis in 5 (55.6%), 16 (32.3%), and 10 (51.6%) of the patients, respectively. ROM limitation was found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with MetS in internal and external rotation and passive abduction movements. VAS scores were higher in patients with Mets. While the difference in VAS scores with active movement and at rest was statistically significant, the difference in VAS score in night pain was not statistically significant. Conclusion: We concluded that there is a clear relationship between shoulder pain and MetS. Awareness of such association may allow early diagnosis of MS and early institution of measures to avoid its results.