When crepitus is observed on a patient's right upper shoulder, which diagnosis should be anticipated?

Crepitus refers to a crackling or popping sensation that is often felt beneath the skin or in the tissues, and it can indicate the presence of air or gas where it shouldn't be. When crepitus is observed on a patient's right upper shoulder, subcutaneous emphysema is a likely diagnosis. This condition occurs when air leaks into the subcutaneous tissue, often due to trauma, surgical procedures, or certain medical conditions that allow air to escape from the lungs into the surrounding soft tissues.

In the context of the shoulder area, subcutaneous emphysema can be the result of a trauma or injury that creates a pathway for the air to enter, or it may occur after surgical procedures involving the chest or neck. The presence of crepitus indicates that there is air trapped in the tissue, which correlates well with subcutaneous emphysema.

Other diagnoses like fracture might involve swelling or deformity, but crepitus specifically points toward the presence of air. Coronary artery disease typically does not present with physical signs like crepitus and is more related to issues with the heart. Pneumothorax refers to air in the pleural space around the lungs, which would lead to symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath