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Education / Resident Orthopaedic Core Knowledge (ROCK) / Program Content / Shoulder and Elbow

Shoulder and Elbow

Editors: Anand M. Murthi, MD, FAAOS (2020-2023), Bradford O. Parsons, MD, FAAOS (2020-2023), Joseph Abboud, MD, FAAOS (2024-present), and Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, MD, FAAOS (2024-present)

NOTE: The denotation “(overlap)” implies chapter is listed in this section and another subspecialty section. For example, "Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis and Pathology" is listed in both Shoulder and Elbow and Hand and Sports Medicine sections.

Section 1: General Principles of the Shoulder

  • Shoulder Anatomy and Function (overlap)
  • Physical Examination of the Shoulder (overlap)
  • Imaging of Shoulder Arthritis: Classification Schemes (overlap)
  • Imaging of Rotator Cuff Disease (overlap)
  • Imaging: Shoulder Instability (overlap)

Section 2: Rotator Cuff Disease

  • Rotator Cuff Disease: Natural History and Basic Science of Tendon Tears, Repair, and Healing (overlap)
  • Rotator Cuff Disease: Impingement Syndrome, Calcific Tendinitis, Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears, and Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears (overlap)
  • Rotator Cuff Disease: Massive Rotator Cuff Tears and Tendon Transfer (overlap)
  • Massive Rotator Cuff Tears and Superior Capsule Reconstruction (overlap)
  • Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Biologic Augmentation of Rotator Cuff Repair (overlap)

Section 3: Shoulder Instability, Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior Tears, and Throwing Shoulder

  • Anterior Shoulder Instability (overlap)
  • Shoulder Instability: Multidirectional Instability (overlap)
  • Shoulder Instability: Assessment of Bone Loss and Instability (overlap)
  • Shoulder Instability: Management of Bone Loss and Instabilty (overlap)
  • Throwing Shoulder Injuries and Internal Impingement (overlap)
  • SICK Scapula Syndrome (overlap)
  • Throwing Shoulder Injuries: Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior Tears and Proximal Biceps Tendon Lesions (overlap)

Section 4: Shoulder Instability:  Posterior

  • Posterior Shoulder Instability (overlap)

Section 5: Shoulder Stiffness and Arthritis

  • Shoulder Stiffness: Adhesive Capsulitis (overlap)
  • Posttraumatic and Postoperative Shoulder Stiffness (overlap)
  • Shoulder Stiffness: Adhesive Capsulitis (overlap)

Section 6: Upper Extremity

  • Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis and Pathology (overlap)

Section 7: Shoulder Trauma

  • Shoulder Trauma: Proximal Humeral Fractures (overlap)
  • Clavicular Fractures (overlap)
  • Shoulder Trauma: Scapular and Glenoid Fractures (overlap)
  • Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation and Instability
  • Disorders of the Scapula
  • Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries: Shoulder Reconstruction
  • Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries 

Section 8: Elbow Instability and Throwing Elbow

  • Throwing Elbow Injuries (overlap)
  • Acute and Recurrent Elbow Instability
  • Elbow Instability: Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex Insufficiency
  • Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries

Section 9: Elbow Fractures

  • Radial Head Fractures (overlap)
  • Elbow Fractures: Olecranon (overlap)
  • Distal Humerus Fractures (overlap)

Section 10:  General Principles of the Elbow

  • Elbow Repair and Reconstruction: Distal Biceps and Triceps Tendon Conditions (overlap)
  • Distal Triceps Tendon Injuries
  • Elbow Anatomy and Function
  • Physical Examination of the Elbow
  • Imaging of the Elbow

Section 11: Shoulder Arthritis

  • Shoulder Arthritis

Section 12: Rotator Cuff Arthropathy

  • Rotator Cuff Arthropathy: Basic Science Mechanical and Biologic Causes
  • Rotator Cuff Arthropathy: Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Design and Biomechanics
  • Rotator Cuff Arthropathy: Reverse Shoulder Technique and Outcome

Section 13: Elbow Arthritis

  • Elbow Arthritis
  • Elbow Stiffness