A Scoping Review for Clinical Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain Attributed to Musculoskeletal Dysfunction in Primary Health Care

Abstract

This poster presents a scoping review examining clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis of abdominal pain attributable to musculoskeletal dysfunction in primary healthcare. Using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA guidance, the review synthesises evidence on prevalence, diagnostic approaches, and key musculoskeletal syndromes. Findings suggest that approximately 4% of abdominal pain presentations in primary care are musculoskeletal in origin, with diagnostic reasoning commonly relying on patient history, pain characteristics, and targeted physical examination. The review highlights the importance of recognising musculoskeletal contributors to abdominal pain to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes while minimising the risk of missing visceral pathology.</p