Do the Findings of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Arthrography, and Ultrasonography Reflect Clinical Impairment in Patients With Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder?

Diagnostic Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Stiff Shoulder: Association of Axillary Recess Thickness With Standard Clinical Measures

OBJECTIVES

Stiff shoulder, including primary and secondary types, poses diagnostic challenges due to vague definitions and criteria. This study evaluates the diagnostic potential of ultrasound-measured axillary recess thickness in shoulder stiffness.

DESIGNS

In this cross-sectional study, 35 patients with unilateral shoulder stiffness were assessed. Axillary recess thickness was measured using high-resolution ultrasound. Parameters like passive range of motion, Numerical Rating Scale, and Constant-Murley score were evaluated to find correlations with axillary recess thickness.

RESULTS

The average age was 50.7 yrs, and mean body mass index was 22.7. Axillary recess thickness in stiff shoulders (average 3.19 mm) was significantly higher than in unaffected shoulders (average 1.93 mm, P < 0.001). A cutoff of 3.0 mm for axillary recess thickness yielded 73.3% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity for primary stiffness; 2.6 mm cutoff resulted in 57.9% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity for secondary stiffness. Significant correlations were found between axillary recess thickness and passive range of motion, especially in shoulder external rotation and extension.

CONCLUSIONS

Axillary recess thickness measured by ultrasound might serve as a valuable diagnostic and evaluation parameter in shoulder stiffness.

Inferior glenohumeral joint capsule thickness in frozen shoulder via ultrasonography

Background

The thickening of the inferior glenohumeral joint capsule (IGC) is a characteristic finding in frozen shoulders. However, the relationship between the thickness of the IGC measured using ultrasonography (US) and the range of motion (ROM) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate a suitable IGC thickness measurement site that can reflect the ROM of frozen shoulders.

Methods

The participants were 29 patients with frozen shoulder and 20 healthy shoulders of 10 healthy adult. US measurements of the IGC were performed at 80° elevation in the scapular plane, with thickness was measured at 3 levels in both groups: just above the surgical neck, just above the anatomical neck, and at the parenchymal level. The relationship between thickness and ROM at the 3 levels was also assessed. The thickness of the IGC was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and US, as well as the validity of US evaluation.

Results

There was a positive correlation (r = 0.72) between magnetic resonance imaging-measured and US-measured IGC thickness. The IGC was thicker in the frozen shoulder group than in the control group at all 3 levels (P < .001). The thickness of the IGC at the parenchymal level showed a significant negative correlation with all ROMs: flexion (r = -0.63), abduction (r = -0.60), external rotation (r = -0.50), and internal rotation (r = -0.52).

Conclusion

The thickness of the IGC at the parenchymal level is negatively correlated with the ROM. The evaluation of the IGC in this study will be helpful in selecting treatment options for frozen shoulders.

Can magnetic resonance imaging distinguish clinical stages of frozen shoulder? A state-of-the-art review

Background

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common disorder causing shoulder pain and limited motion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is expected to help diagnose FS and realize the disease stage if stage-specific features are present. We aimed to survey stage-related MRI findings of FS in the literature.

Methods

MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases were searched with search terms "frozen shoulder" or "adhesive capsulitis" combined with "magnetic resonance imaging." Studies that discussed MRI findings in relation to FS stages were retrieved. The course of FS was divided into stages 1 to 4 according to Hannafin and Chiaia.

Results

Two of the noncontrast-enhanced MRI findings were stage-related. T2 signal hyperintensity of the joint capsule was more frequent in stages 1 and 2. The axillary capsule thickness was greater in stages 1 and 2. However, these findings were also seen in the later stages to a lesser degree. Effusion around the long head of biceps, subcoracoid fat obliteration, and coracohumeral ligament thickening were common in FS but their relation to the stages was not evident. Signal enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI was not consistently linked to stages.

Conclusion

T2 signal hyperintensity and axillary capsule thickening are characteristic of the early stages of FS, although MRI alone cannot completely define the disease stage.

Adhesive capsulitis and ultrasound diagnosis, an inseparable pair: a novel review

PURPOSE

Adhesive Capsulitis (AC) is a musculoskeletal disorder initially described by Codman in 1934. The disease is characterized by pain-limited restriction in active and passive glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) despite the lack of a structural deficit. In the last decades, arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the only diagnostic tools able to highlight the characteristic alterations of the glenohumeral capsular-ligament apparatus in AC; nevertheless, both arthroscopy and MRI are burdened by intrinsic limitations. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the most significant evidence supporting the use of ultrasound (US) for the diagnosis of AC.

METHODS

We extensively searched via PubMed library the terms "frozen-shoulder" and "adhesive capsulitis" each combined with "ultrasound".

RESULTS

We found 3723 papers on PubMed and selected those inherent to AC diagnosis, US imaging, correlation with arthroscopic and MRI findings. Forty papers which were strictly related to the topic of this narrative review were initially chosen, then 20 studies which described and exploited US for AC diagnosis were finally included. Coracohumeral ligament (2.65 ± 0.4 mm) and axillary pouch thickening (3.34 ± 0.8 mm), as well as an increase in vascularity at rotator interval (78/214, 36.44%), represented the commonest US signs useful for AC diagnosis and for which the most significant cut-off values were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence collected in this review testify that musculoskeletal US is as reliable as MRI for AC diagnosis, therefore we believe that in this context US should be considered a first-line imaging technique.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Chronic Shoulder Pain: 2022 Update

Chronic shoulder pain is an extremely common presenting complaint. Potential pain generators include the rotator cuff tendons, biceps tendon, labrum, glenohumeral articular cartilage, acromioclavicular joint, bones, suprascapular and axillary nerves, and the joint capsule/synovium. Radiographs are typically the initial imaging study obtained in patients with chronic shoulder pain. Further imaging may often be required, with modality chosen based on patient symptoms and physical examination findings, which may lead the clinician to suspect a specific pain generator. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Ultrasound assessment of the inferior glenohumeral capsule in normal shoulders-a study of measurement variables and reliability

OBJECTIVES

To establish the reliability of a standardised ultrasound protocol to measure normal inferior glenohumeral capsule (IGHC) thickness and to investigate the effects of age, sex, hand dominance and angles of abduction on the thickness.

METHODS

IGHC images were obtained at 60^o, 90^o and 180^o abduction angles of 151 asymptomatic shoulders in supine position. Following the proposed guidelines, three sonographers blindly measured the IGHC thicknesses for intra- and interrater reliability assessments.

RESULTS

The intrarater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient value = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.92-0.97). The interrater reliability was moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient value = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.60-0.83). The mean IGHC thickness values in mm ± SD at 60^o, 90^o and 180^o abduction angles for males were 3.3 ± 0.93, 3.0 ± 0.80 and 2.6 ± 0.55 and those for females were 2.7 ± 0.86, 2.4 ± 0.7 and 2.0 ± 0.56 respectively. Although males had thicker IGHC, the rate at which the thickness reduced with increased abduction was same in both males and females. Age and hand dominance had no effect.

CONCLUSION

The normal IGHC thickness varies with sex and the abduction angle of the arm at which it is measured. A large variation of IGHC thickness exists in the normal population.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The results of this study discourage the use of a single value of IGHC thickness and emphasise the importance of comparing the thickness of the symptomatic side to that of the asymptomatic side of the same subject at the same abduction level. The guidelines provided in this study can be used in clinical practice and in future research studies.

Ultrasound Features for the Diagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis/Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review

While ultrasound has become a preferred tool for musculoskeletal imaging, differing ultrasound findings that have been reported in patients with adhesive capsulitis can create confusion and misconceptions. This systematic review was aimed at summarizing all the ultrasound features currently described in the literature and providing a critical analysis of the sources to allow the readers to make a well-informed decision on the reliability of these features in the diagnosis of this condition. Databases were searched for original studies up to August 2021. Twenty-three studies were included. The QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2) tool was used to assess the quality of each selected article. Fourteen ultrasound features were identified. A quality analysis of all ultrasound features was performed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) framework. All studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity in investigated ultrasound features and methodologies employed; therefore, meta-analysis was not considered to be appropriate. Hence, narrative synthesis was performed. The overall quality of each ultrasound outcome was found to be of "low" to "very low" level, and the generalisability of the results was also thought to be limited. Cautious interpretation and clinical correlation are recommended while applying these ultrasound features in clinical practice.

Sequential Ultrasound Assessment of Peri-Articular Soft Tissue in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Correlations with Clinical Impairments—Sequential Ultrasound in Adhesive Capsulitis

Recently, ultrasound measurements of the shoulder such as thickening of the rotator interval (RI) and the axillary recess (AR) are suggested as specific indicators of adhesive capsulitis. Herein, we evaluated the sequential changes in ultrasound parameters and clinical impairments and the correlation between the two in the case of adhesive capsulitis through a prospective observational study of 56 patients with adhesive capsulitis. Clinical assessments and ultrasound parameters, including the thicknesses of the RI and AR, were surveyed at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months. In 56 patients with adhesive capsulitis, the thickness of the AR significantly decreased at each follow-up evaluation, but the thickness of the RI showed a significant decrease only between the baseline and 1-month evaluation. In repeated analyses of correlation, the thickness of the AR was strongly correlated with all clinical impairments except the pain at rest and range of internal rotation in the affected shoulder. The thickness of AR was correlated with clinical impairments in patients with adhesive capsulitis during the 6 months follow up and could be useful as a surrogate marker in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - Part II: Joint Pathologies, Pediatric Applications, and Guided Procedures

The second part of the Guidelines and Recommendations for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSUS), produced under the auspices of EFSUMB, following the same methodology as for Part 1, provides information and recommendations on the use of this imaging modality for joint pathology, pediatric applications, and musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided procedures. Clinical application, practical points, limitations, and artifacts are described and discussed for every joint or procedure. The document is intended to guide clinical users in their daily practice.

MR Imaging Biomarkers for Clinical Impairment and Disease Progression in Patients with Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

MRI diagnostic criteria of shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC) are nowadays widely used, but there is little information available on the association between MRI findings and clinical impairment.

PURPOSE

To determine the correlation of MRI findings with the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), pain duration and symptoms at the one-year follow-up in AC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This monocentric prospective study included 132 patients with a clinical diagnosis of shoulder AC who underwent shoulder MRI. Mean patient age was 54.1 ± 9.3 years, and there were 55 men and 77 women. A radiologist examined all patients and completed the CMS just prior to MRI. Pain duration was assessed along with the signal intensity and measured the maximal thickness of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) by two radiologists. Medical record analysis was performed in a sub-group of 49 patients to assess prognosis approximately one year after the MRI examination. Linear regression analysis with the Pearson test and the Fisher exact test were used to determine the association between MRI findings and clinical impairment.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in mean pain duration score (3.8 ± 1.2 versus 3.2 ± 0.9 and 3.8 ± 1.2 versus 3.2 ± 0.9, respectively, for readers 1 and 2) and in mean mobility scores (15.7 ± 8 points versus 19.6 ± 10.1 points and 15.8 ± 8.2 points versus 19.4 ± 10 points, respectively, for readers 1 and 2) in patients with a high IGHL signal compared to those with a low IGHL signal (p < 0.05). IGHL was thicker in patients with clinical improvement at one-year follow-up compared to those presenting clinical stability or worsening (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with shoulder AC, the degree of signal intensity at the IGHL was inversely related to shoulder pain duration and range of motion, and a thickened IGHL indicated a favorable outcome at one-year follow-up.

Prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of physical therapy outcomes in patients with adhesive capsulitis

Objectives

This study aims to investigate whether the treatment outcomes of patients with a clinical diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (AC) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings consistent with AC undergoing physical therapy (PT) differs to those with AC in the absence of these MRI findings.

Patients and methods

Between January 2012 and October 2012, a total of 30 patients (8 males, 22 females; mean age 55.6±12.1 years; range, 35 to 85 years) with a clinical diagnosis of AC underwent MRI of the index shoulder. The MRI scans were evaluated for findings associated with AC: intensity of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) and rotator interval (RI). All patients received a total of 15 sessions of PT: hot pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and shoulder exercises. The patients were assessed for shoulder range of motion (ROM) using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for shoulder pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) prior to and following completion of PT.

Results

Of the patients, 21 had no MRI findings consistent with AC (Group 1), nine patients had changes in the IGHL and/or RI characteristic of AC (Group 2). In both groups, there was a significant improvement in active and passive shoulder ROM and VAS scores for shoulder pain at rest (Group 1: p<0.001, Group 2: p=0.017) with movement (Group 1: p<0.001, Group 2: p=0.007) and at night (Group 1: p<0.001, Group 2: p=0.012) following PT. However, there was no significant inter-group difference in scores. Similar findings were recorded for Q-DASH and HAQ.

Conclusion

Based on these study findings, the presence of characteristic MRI findings of AC with a clinical diagnosis do not predict clinical response to physical therapy.

Voxel-based Three-dimensional Segmentation of the Capsulo-synovium from Contrast-enhanced MRI Can Represent Clinical Impairments in Adhesive Capsulitis

The purposes were to calculate total voxel volume of the entire capsulo-synovial enhanced portion on contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI in adhesive capsulitis, and to investigate its association with glenohumeral joint volume and passive range of motions (ROMs), which are a well-known diagnostic reference standard and clinical hallmark of this condition. Medical records of 169 consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound-guided intraarticular injection with adhesive capsulitis and CE-MRI to exclude other mimicking shoulder diseases were retrospectively reviewed. To calculate total voxel volume of entire capsulo-synovial enhanced portion on CE-MRI, voxel-based 3-dimensional (3D) segmentation was obtained semi-automatically using Fiji, an open-source image processing software. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were analyzed. Sixty patients who met eligibility criteria were included. Total voxel volume showed a significant inverse correlation with the glenohumeral joint volume (r = −0.528, P < 0.001), forward elevation, external rotation, and abduction (r = −0.407, P = 0.001; r = −0.342, P = 0.007; r = −0.275, P = 0.034, respectively). Intra-observer and inter-observer reliabilities, measured by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), were excellent (ICC = 0.87 and 0.77, respectively). This study’s results indicate that voxel-based 3D segmentation of entire capsulo-synovial enhanced portion from CE-MRI can represent the severity of clinical impairments, such as obliterated joint volume and limited passive ROMs in adhesive capsulitis.

Ultrasound-Guided Standard vs Dual-Target Subacromial Corticosteroid Injections for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare dual-target injection with standard ultrasound (US)-guided subacromial injection in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) and possible disorders of the biceps long-head tendons.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Rehabilitation outpatient clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with SIS (N=60).

INTERVENTION

(1) US-guided standard subacromial bursa; (2) dual-target (subacromial bursa plus proximal biceps long-head tendon) injection, with 40-mg triamcinolone acetonide administered to patients in each group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical assessments were performed at baseline. The outcomes, including results from a self-administered questionnaire, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and a self-pain report, the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain at rest, at night, and during overhead activities, were evaluated at baseline and at the first and third months postintervention.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in baseline evaluations between groups (n=30 in each treatment arm) prior to injections. Both groups exhibited significant SPADI and VAS-score improvements after the first month. The dual-target injection group had less rebounding pain at the 3-month follow-up. The standard injection group had more patients reporting worsening pain within 1 day postinjection.

CONCLUSION

US-guided dual-target corticosteroid injection showed similar short-term efficacy to standard subacromial injections, but with an extended duration of symptom relief. Therefore, dual-target corticosteroid injections may be useful for shoulder pain treatment in patients with SIS.

Routine X-rays for suspected frozen shoulder offer little over diagnosis based on history and clinical examination alone

INTRODUCTION

Frozen shoulder is a common condition, and current guidelines state that it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Along with a history and clinical examination, routine X-ray is mandated, to rule out any "masquerading" pathology such as fracture, dislocation, metastatic lesions or severe osteoarthritis. Despite the certainty of the guidelines there is a lack of evidence to support the use of routine X-rays in this situation.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all X-rays obtained in the diagnosis of frozen shoulder between February 2014 and August 2017 in an integrated musculoskeletal interface service. Results were screened and the prevalence of masquerading pathology was determined.

RESULTS

A total of 350 shoulder X-rays that had been performed for patients with a provisional diagnosis of frozen shoulder were reviewed. Of these, 213 were from female patients (60.9%), the mean age was 57.7 (standard deviation 10.4) years and 342 (97.7%) did not have any concerning features. Six (1.7%) had severe osteoarthritis, one (0.3%) had a fracture and one (0.3%) had a lucency. All eight patients with masquerading pathology had findings from the history and clinical examination which would have warranted an X-ray, regardless of a differential diagnosis of frozen shoulder.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this retrospective review of a large number of X-rays do not support the requirement of a routine X-ray to rule out masquerading pathology to confirm the diagnosis. The data suggest that it is unnecessary for patients without a relevant clinical history suggestive of serious or masquerading pathology to undergo routine imaging.

The diagnosis and management of shoulder pain

Diagnosis is crucial in decision-making when treating a patient with shoulder pain. Ultrasound is also very important in the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway, especially when surgery is being considered. This article outlines the diagnostic pathway using the patient’s history, physical examination and ultrasound examination. It is important to correlate the clinical assessment with the imaging signs. It is also important to treat the patient and not the images as there may be abnormalities detected on imaging that are not symptomatic. The article covers the important diagnosis of subdeltoid subacromial bursitis, glenohumeral joint capsulitis, calcific tendinosis, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and long head of biceps tendinosis. It will guide the reader in how to use the findings to treat, using ultrasound-guided injection and other techniques, including steroid injections, hydrodilatation, barbotage and extracorporeal shockwave treatment. These are discussed with the knowledge from over 30 years of experience with a literature review evidential support. I have included tips to make these procedures more effective in treatment and final outcome. There is discussion regarding the use of steroid injections in the presence of a rotator cuff tear and how to proceed if the patient has more than one disease process. The sensible use of steroids and local anesthetics are included, bearing in mind that lidocaine and high concentrations of long-acting local anesthetics are chondrotoxic and should not be injected into joints.