Investigation

Where appropriate, investigations may be undertaken to exclude systemic conditions such as systemic lupus erythaematosus, rheumatoid arthritis fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, diabetes myelitis, thyroid disease or localised infection.

X-ray of cervical spine could be undertaken to detect degenerative changes and scoliosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nerve conduction studies and a number of other methods can be used to confirm the diagnosis. The routine use of investigations in the management of upper limb disorders has not been conclusively established.