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Background. Nontraumatic complaints of arm, neck, and shoulder (CANS) represent an important health issue, with a high prevalence in the general working age population and huge economic impact. Nevertheless, only few prospective cohort studies for the outcome of CANS are available. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to identify disability trajectories and associated prognostic factors during a 2-year follow-up of patients with a new episode of CANS in primary Design. This was a prospective cohort study. Methods. Data of 682 participants were collected through questionnaires at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Disability was measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). Latent class growth mixture (LCGM) modeling was used to identify clinically meaningful groups of patients who were similar in their disability trajectory during follow-up. Multivariate multinomial regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between sociodemographic, complaint-related, physical, and psychosocial variables and the identified disability trajectories. Results. Three disability trajectories were identified: fast recovery (67.6%), modest recovery (23.6%), and continuous high disability (8.8%). A high level of somatization was the most important baseline predictor of continuous high disability. Furthermore, poor general health, widespread complaints, and medium level of somatization were associated with this trajectory and >3 months complaint duration, musculoskeletal comorbidity, female sex, history of trauma, low educational level, low social support, and high complaint severity were associated with both continuous high disability and modest recovery. Age, kinesiophobia, and catastro- phizing showed significant associations only with modest recovery. Limitations. Loss to follow-up ranged from 10% to 22% at each follow-up measurement. Disabilities were assessed only with the DASH and not with physical tests. Misclassification by general practitioners regarding specific' or nonspecific diagnostic category might have occurred. The decision for optimal LCGM model, resulting in the disability trajectories, remains arbitrary to some extent. Conclusions. Three trajectories described the course of disabilities due to CANS. Several prognostic indicators were identified that can easily be recognized in primary' care. As some of these prognostic indicators may be amenable for change, their presence in the early stages of CANS may lead to more intensive or additional interventions (eg, psychological or multidisciplinary therapy). Further research focusing on the use of these prognostic indicators in treatment decisions is needed to further substantiate their predictive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that investigates the association of diagnosis and characteristics in the management of nontraumatic complaints in arm, neck and should during general practice in the Netherlands. The study was conducted to 686 patients wherein their outcome measure and medical care received were assessed to provide an effective medical care. The study reveals that diagnostic category, functional limitations and complaint duration play an essential role in providing medical care.

Background: Complaints of arm, neck and shoulder are common in Western societies. Of those consulting a general practitioner (GP) with non-traumatic arm, neck or shoulder complaints, about 50% do not recover within 6 months. Kinesiophobia (also known as fear of movement/(re)injury) may also play a role in these complaints, as it may lead to avoidance behaviour resulting in hypervigilance to bodily sensations, followed by disability, disuse and depression. However, in relation to arm, neck and shoulder complaints little is known about kinesiophobia and its associated variables. Therefore this study aimed to: describe the degree of kinesiophobia in patients with non-traumatic complaints of arm, neck and shoulder in general practice; to determine whether mean scores of kinesiophobia change over time in non-recovered patients; and to evaluate variables associated with kinesiophobia at baseline. Methods: In this prospective cohort study set in general practice, consulters with a first or new episode of non- traumatic arm, neck or shoulder complaints (aged 18-64 years) entered the cohort. Baseline data were collected on kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the 13-item adjusted version: TSK-AV, and on patient-, complaint-, and psychosocial variables using self-administered questionnaires. The mean TSK-AV score was calculated. In non-recovered patients the follow-up TSKAV scores at 6 and 12 months were analyzed with the general linear mixed model. Variables associated with kinesiophobia at baseline were evaluated using multivariate linear regression analyses. Results: The mean TSK-AV score at baseline was 24.8 [SD: 6.2]. Among non-recovered patients the mean TSK-AV score at baseline was 26.1 [SD: 6.6], which remained unchanged over 12- months follow-up period. The strongest associations with kinesiophobia were catastrophizing, disability, and comorbidity of musculoskeletal complaints. Additionally, having a shoulder complaint, low social support, high somatization and high distress contributed to the kinesiophobia score. Conclusion: The mean TSK-AV score in our population seems comparable to those in other populations in primary care. In patients who did not recover during the 12- month follow-up, the degree of kinesiophobia remained unchanged during this time period. The variables associated with kinesiophobia at baseline appear to be in line with the fear-avoidance model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the differences in predictors of nonrecovery between patients with a specific diagnosis at arm, neck, and/or shoulder, vs. patients with a nonspecific diagnosis in general practice at 6 months after the first consultation. Study Design and Setting: New consulters with nontraumatic arm, neck, or shoulder complaints entered the cohort. Patient, complaint, and physical, psychosocial, and work characteristics were evaluated as possible predictors. Logistic regression analyses were conducted for the specific and nonspecific groups separately. Results: At 6 months, 38% (n =298) of the specific-group members and 49% (n =249) of the nonspecific-group members reported nonrecovery. Univariately, similar variables were related in both groups, although their strength sometimes differed. Multivariately, duration of complaints was predictive of nonrecovery in both groups. Other predictors in the specific group were as follows: more somatization, low social support, older age, high body mass index, and unemployment. In the nonspecific group, the predictors were as follows: musculoskeletal comorbidity, recurrent complaint, poor perceived general health, multiple-region complaints, and high level of kinesiophobia. Conclusion: At 6 months, nonrecovery was reported more frequently in the group of patients with a nonspecific diagnosis. The predictive value of psychosocial factors on nonrecovery is at least of equal importance in patients with a specific diagnosis compared with patients with a nonspecific diagnosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]