The Shoulder-Pad Sign — A Diagnostic Feature of Amyloid Arthropathy

POLYARTICULAR swelling associated with stiffness, decreased range of motion and pain may be seen in a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. The diagnosis usually depends on multiple features of the clinical presentation and laboratory workup.1 , 2 Key physical signs are important in establishing the diagnosis.In the following cases "the shoulder-pad sign" was a diagnostic feature of amyloid arthropathy.Case ReportsCase 1. A 77-year-old woman was admitted to UCLA Medical Center in 1964 because of painful, stiff and swollen shoulders of 5 months' duration. Physical examination revealed a pale woman with massively enlarged shoulders of a rubbery hard consistence. Shoulder motion . . .