Update of guideline for diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome: a multidisciplinary review by the Dutch Orthopedic Association Part 1: preventive measures, diagnostics, and non-surgical treatment of subacromial pain syndrome
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/17453674.2026.45365Keywords:
Guideline, Multidisciplinary treatment SAPS, Shoulder, Subacromial pain syndromAbstract
Background and purpose: In 2013, the first clinical practice guideline for subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) was developed in the Netherlands to support healthcare professionals. SAPS refers to non-traumatic, non-rheumatologic shoulder complaints that are particularly painful during arm elevation. It includes conditions such as supraspinatus tendinosis, calcific tendinitis, and degenerative supraspinatus tears. Over 50,000 patients annually consult orthopedic surgeons for these issues. In response to new evidence and clinical needs, an updated guideline was developed. Part 1 addresses prevention, diagnosis, imaging, and non-surgical treatment. Using a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach, the guideline aims to answer key clinical questions around SAPS.
Methods: Initiated by the Dutch Orthopedic Society, the guideline committee identified knowledge gaps through group sessions. Each module was based on a PICO-formatted key question and reviewed by professionals from different fields. The AGREE and GRADE methods were applied to ensure a systematic evaluation of evidence, leading to conclusions and recommendations.
Results: (i) Inform patients about the potential positive effects of a healthy lifestyle and encourage gradual exercise within sport and work. (ii) Perform a cluster of physical diagnostic tests to diagnose SAPS. (iii) Perform ultrasonography in patients with clinical suspicion of (partial thickness) rupture of the supraspinatus tendon. Consider MRI if ultrasound is not available or inconclusive. (iv) Consider barbotage for symptomatic calcific tendinosis, preferably with corticosteroid injection in the bursa, if a previous corticosteroid injection was ineffective. (v) Consider a subacromial corticosteroid injection (with a local anesthetic) to enable exercise therapy in patients with severe complaints that impair their ability to participate in exercise therapy. (vi) Consider suprascapular nerve block for patients with therapy-resistant SAPS when other non-surgical treatment is ineffective.
Conclusion: The updated guideline provides multidisciplinary recommendations for physical examination, imaging, and conservative management of SAPS.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Frederik O Lambers Heerspink, Egbert J D Veen, Oscar Dorrestijn, Cornelis P J Visser, Maarten J C Leijs, Dennis van Poppel, Peter A Stroomberg, Ramon P G Ottenheijm, Jan W Kallewaard, Tjerk J W de Ruiter, Henk A Martens, Femke M Janssen, Tessa Geltink, Matthijs S Ruiter, Jos J A M van Raaij
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