Adhesive capsulitis: role of MR imaging in differential diagnosis

An approach leveraging radiomics and model checking for the automatic early diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis

Adhesive Capsulitis of the shoulder is a painful pathology limiting shoulder movements, commonly known as "Frozen Shoulder". Since this pathology limits movement, it is important to make an early diagnosis. Diagnosing capsulitis relies on clinical assessment, although diagnostic imaging, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging, can provide predictive or supportive information for specific characteristic signs. However, its diagnosis is not so simple nor so immediate, indeed it remains a difficult topic for many general radiologists and expert musculoskeletal radiologists. This study aims to investigate whether it is possible to use disease signs within a medical image to automatically diagnose Adhesive Capsulitis. To this purpose, we propose an automatic Model Checking-based approach to quickly diagnose the Adhesive Capsulitis taking as input the radiomic feature values from the medical images. Furthermore, we compare the performance achieved by our method with diagnostic results obtained by professional radiologists with different levels of experience. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method for the automatic diagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder.

Diagnostic accuracy of non-contrast MRI in frozen shoulder

INTRODUCTION

Despite being the most used exam today, few studies have evaluated the accuracy of findings on non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of non-contrast MRI findings in frozen shoulder, isolated and in combination. The secondary objectives were to define the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of the assessments and the odds ratio for frozen shoulder because of the various findings of MRI.

METHODS

A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study comparing non-contrast MRI findings between the frozen shoulder group and the control group. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy, odds ratio, interobserver and intraobserver agreement were calculated for each finding and their possible associations.

RESULTS

The hyperintensity on capsule in the axillary recess presented 84% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and 89% accuracy. The obliteration of the subcoracoid fat triangle in the rotator interval had sensitivity 34%, specificity 82% and accuracy 58%. For coracohumeral ligament thickness ≥ 2 mm had specificity 66%, 48% specificity and 57% accuracy. Capsule thickness in the axillary recess ≥ 4 mm resulted in 54% sensitivity, 82% specificity, and 68% accuracy. Regarding interobserver agreement, only the posteroinferior and posterosuperior quadrants showed moderate results, and all the others showed strong reliability. The odds ratio for hyperintensity in the axillary recess was 82.3 for frozen shoulder. The association of these findings increased specificity (95%).

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging is high for diagnosing frozen shoulder, especially when evaluating the hyperintensity of the axillary recess. The exam has high reliability and reproducibility. The presence of an association of signs increases the specificity of the test.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, study of diagnostic test.

Diagnostic performance and interreader agreement of individual and combined non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced MR imaging parameters in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

OBJECTIVE

The aims of our study were to analyze agreement among readers with different levels of expertise and diagnostic performance of individual and combined imaging signs for the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, contrast-enhanced shoulder MRIs of 60 patients with and 120 without clinically diagnosed adhesive capsulitis were evaluated by three readers independently. As non-enhanced imaging signs, readers evaluated signal intensity and thickness of the axillary recess capsule, thickness of the rotator interval capsule and the coracohumeral ligament as well as obliteration of subcoracoid fat. Furthermore, contrast enhancement of axillary recess and rotator interval capsule were evaluated. Data analysis included interreader reliability, ROC analysis, and logistic regression (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Contrast-enhanced parameters showed substantially higher agreement among readers (ICC 0.79-0.80) than non-enhanced parameters (0.37-0.45). AUCs of contrast-enhanced signs (95.1-96.6%) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than of non-enhanced imaging signs (61.5-85.9%) when considered individually. Combined evaluation of axillary recess signal intensity and thicknesses of axillary recess or rotator interval-when at least one of two signs was rated positive-increased accuracy compared to individual imaging signs, however not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced imaging signs show both distinctly higher agreement among readers and distinctly higher diagnostic performance compared to non-enhanced imaging signs based on the imaging protocol used in this study. Combined evaluation of parameters showed a tendency to increase discrimination; however, the effect on diagnosis of ACS was not statistically significant.

MR imaging detection of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: impact of intravenous contrast administration and reader's experience on diagnostic performance

OBJECTIVE

Correct identification of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS) has an important impact on adequate therapy. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of intravenous contrast administration and of reader's experience on sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing ACS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 180 patients were included in a retrospective study: 60 subjects with at least 4 of 5 clinical signs of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder and 120 patients with other shoulder diseases who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI. In a first session, only non-enhanced images and in a second session also contrast-enhanced (CE) series were independently evaluated by three radiologists with various levels of professional experience. Readers were blinded to all clinical information and had to rate the shoulder MRIs for absence or presence of adhesive capsulitis. Data analysis included McNemar's test, t test, and U test (p < .05).

RESULTS

Using non-enhanced MRI, readers achieved a mean sensitivity of 63.9% and a mean specificity of 86.4%. By additional use of CE sequences, the mean sensitivity (85.5%) and the sensitivity for each reader increased significantly (p = .046, p < .01, p < .001, p = .045) while the improvement in mean specificity was not significant. Reader's experience had a positive effect on sensitivity and specificity, which was in part but not consistently significant.

CONCLUSION

The addition of CE sequences can significantly increase the sensitivity of MRI in the diagnosis of ACS. Reader's experience has shown to be another important factor for the diagnostic outcome.

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.

Shear-Wave and Strain Ultrasound Elastography of the Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus Tendons in Patients with Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Prospective Case-Control Study

Objective

To compare the elasticity of the supraspinatus tendon (SST) and infraspinatus tendon (IST) in patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS) with those in the control groups and to evaluate the relationship between age and tendon elasticity.

Materials and Methods

The Institutional Review Board approved this prospective, case-control study, which was conducted between November 2017 and March 2018, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Control groups comprised healthy individuals or those with asymptomatic contralateral shoulders. Twenty-five shoulders in 20 participants in the ACS group (14 women; 53.5 ± 7.9 years) and 24 shoulders in 18 participants in the control group (6 women; 52.6 ± 10.5 years) were included. Elastography was performed in the oblique coronal plane at the neutral shoulder position. Mean/maximum/minimum velocity and stiffness from the shear-wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) and strain ratio (subcutaneous fat/target-tendon) from the strain ultrasound elastography (SE) of the SST and IST were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Spearman correlation.

Results

Both velocity and stiffness in SWE were higher, and the strain ratio in SE was lower in participants with symptomatic shoulders than in those with normal shoulders (p < 0.001). SST- and IST-mean velocity, mean stiffness, and strain ratios showed excellent area under the ROC curve (> 0.970). The elastic modulus was little correlated with age (ρ = −0.340–0.239).

Conclusion

SWE and SE indicated that SST and IST were stiffer in patients with ACS than in those with normal shoulders regardless of aging.

Usefulness of intravenous contrast-enhanced MRI for diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare the reliability and performance of MRI measures enhanced with intravenous (IV) injection of gadolinium contrast versus non-enhanced MRI measures for the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (AC). We also aimed to examine the association between MRI findings and clinical features in patients with AC.

METHODS

MRI of 42 patients with a clinical diagnosis of AC confirmed by arthrography and that of 42 patients in a control group were retrospectively studied by 2 blinded readers. Reliability and performance of MRI findings were compared between IV contrast-enhanced measures and non-enhanced MRI measures in T2-weighted fat-saturated and T1-weighted images. MRI findings were correlated with clinical stage, etiology, and pain.

RESULTS

Sensitivity (97.6%) and specificity (97.6%) of axillary-recess capsule signal enhancement for AC diagnosis were significantly superior (p = 0.02) to hyperintense signals on T2-weighted fat-suppressed images (sensitivity 90.5%, specificity 92.7%). Measures of the intensity signal in the area of the rotator interval were less performant for AC diagnosis but could be improved with joint capsule enhancement. Moreover, we found very high specificity (100%) of enhancement of the coracohumeral ligament signal for AC diagnosis. The early stage of adhesive capsulitis was positively correlated with joint capsule enhancement in the rotator interval. Secondary etiology of capsulitis was correlated with joint capsule hyperintensity signals of the rotator interval on T2-weighted fat-suppressed images.

CONCLUSION

IV contrast injection with MRI can be helpful for AC diagnosis in difficult cases. The stage of AC seems related to joint capsule enhancement in the rotator interval.

KEY POINTS

• IV gadolinium-enhanced MRI can improve the analysis of signal changes in the shoulder synovium and capsule of the shoulder that are related to adhesive capsulitis. • As an original finding, we observed that coracohumeral ligament enhancement had a 100% specificity for the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis. • The intensity of enhanced signals in the rotator interval seems to be related to the early stage of frozen shoulder.

Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Revealing the Joint Capsule Pathology of a Refractory Frozen Shoulder

Background:

Frozen shoulder (FS) is clinically diagnosed on the basis of patients’ medical history and physical examination. Its confirmation is based on joint capsule and coracohumeral ligament thickening, subcoracoid fat obliteration, and joint capsule contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We performed bilateral contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) in FS patients to compare the outcomes with those of their unaffected contralateral counterparts.

Methods:

Ten patients (3 men, 7 women, median age: 54.5 years) with unilateral FS, requiring arthroscopic capsular release after failed conservative treatment, were included. The median forward elevation, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation of the 10 patients were 100°, 60°, 7.5°, and the buttock, respectively. The median visual analog scale score was 5.3, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 42. Bilateral CE-MRI was simultaneously performed on the day before surgery, and MRI findings were compared between FS and contralateral healthy shoulders (controls).

Results:

Significant axillary pouch enhancement and rotator interval were observed in all FS, but not in the unaffected comparable sides (p=0.002, respectively). The thickness of the axillary pouch (FS: 4.8 mm, C: 4.4 mm, p=0.58), coracohumeral ligament (FS: 3.9 mm, C: 4.1 mm, p=0.33), and subcoracoid fat obliteration (p=1.00) were not significantly different between FS and controls.

Conclusion:

CE-MRI aids in the clinical diagnosis of FS. However, axillary pouch joint capsule and coracohumeral ligament thickening or subcoracoid fat obliteration differences were not characteristic findings when contralateral shoulders were compared.

MRI Findings Predictive of Shoulder Stiffness in Patients With Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to evaluate the relationship between stiff shoulder in patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear and MRI findings, especially joint capsule abnormality. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study included 106 patients with small to large (≤ 5 cm) full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Joint capsule edema and thickness in the axillary recess, obliteration of the subcoracoid fat triangle, fatty degeneration of the torn rotator cuff muscle, and degree of retraction were assessed by two radiologists. The size and location of tears were determined by MRI findings and operative report. Associations between MRI findings and preoperative passive range of motion (ROM) were assessed by simple and multiple linear regression analyses and proportional odds logistic regression analysis. RESULTS. There was a significant, negative linear correlation between limited ROM at forward elevation and thickness of the joint capsule in the glenoid portion of the axillary recess (p = 0.018), external rotation and joint capsule edema in the humeral portion of the axillary recess (p = 0.011), and internal rotation and joint capsule edema in the glenoid portion of the axillary recess (p = 0.007). Male sex (p = 0.041) and posterosuperior rotator cuff tear (p = 0.030) were independent predictors of shoulder ROM on external rotation. Degree of fatty degeneration (p = 0.003) was another independent predictor of shoulder ROM on internal rotation. CONCLUSION. MRI findings-especially joint capsule edema and thickness at the axillary recess-can be useful in predicting shoulder stiffness in patients with rotator cuff tear.

Shoulder manipulation under targeted ultrasound-guided rotator interval block for adhesive capsulitis

OBJECTIVE

To describe and evaluate the outcome following shoulder manipulation under rotator interval block for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with adhesive capsulitis referred by our local orthopaedic shoulder surgeons consented to targeted ultrasound-guided injection of the glenohumeral joint via the rotator interval. Inclusion criteria included a failure to respond to conservative treatment and the absence of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Twelve millilitres of a mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid was injected into the rotator interval using a 21-gauge needle, with a small volume of the same solution instilled into the subacromial bursa. Following injection, under local anaesthetic block, patients were gently manipulated into abduction, external rotation and internal rotation as far as they could comfortably tolerate. Patients were assessed pre-injection with documented pain scores from 0 to 10 on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) questionnaire. Initial follow-up comprised a VAS pain score at 1 h, 24 h and 2 weeks. Clinical review by the referring orthopaedic surgeon was performed at 2 months post-injection. Long-term follow-up involved a VAS pain score and the OSS questionnaire at 5 months.

RESULTS

Forty patients were suitable for inclusion in the study. Twenty-three were female (57.5%) and 17 were male. The mean age was 52 years (range, 31-73 years). Twelve patients were post-operative. The duration of symptoms ranged from 3 months to 18 months. Mean pre-procedure OSS was recorded as 23.3 (range, 4-36). The mean VAS pain score was 7.7 before the procedure (range, 4 - 10), 3.4 at 1 h (range, 0-8), 2.9 at 24 h (range, 0-8), and 1.8 at 2 weeks (range 1-4). Orthopaedic follow-up at an average of 66 days post-injection was recorded in 18 patients. All patients reported initial improvement of their shoulder pain and return to near full range of movement; however, recurrence of adhesive capsulitis symptoms was recorded in 5 patients. One case of rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon was reported, but the patient remained asymptomatic. Long-term follow-up at 5 months was obtained in 31 patients, with a mean OSS of 42 (range, 21-60) and VAS of 2.3 (range, 0-7).

CONCLUSION

Manipulation under general anaesthesia is a well-recognised treatment for adhesive capsulitis. We report that targeted ultrasound-guided injection of the rotator interval and manipulation of the shoulder under local anaesthetic blockade result in good outcomes in reducing shoulder pain and symptoms of adhesive capsulitis with low recurrence and complication rates.

Thickening of the axillary recess capsule on ultrasound correlates with magnetic resonance imaging signs of adhesive capsulitis

Objective

To correlate the thickness of the axillary recess capsule measured by ultrasound with magnetic resonance imaging signs of adhesive capsulitis in patients with shoulder pain.

Materials and methods

We prospectively evaluated 193 consecutive patients (141 women and 52 men, aged 40-69 years) with shoulder pain lasting 1-9 months from January 2015 to December 2016 who underwent shoulder ultrasound. All participants had routine shoulder ultrasound with additional measurement of axillary recess capsule thickness. After examinations, two groups were formed: negative ultrasound group, composed of patients with a capsule thickness of 2.0 mm or less, and positive ultrasound group, composed of individuals with a capsule thickness greater than 2.0 mm. All patients from the positive ultrasound group and 27 randomly chosen patients from the negative ultrasound group underwent shoulder magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

In all, 169/193 patients (88%) had an axillary recess capsule thickness of 2.0 mm or less (negative ultrasound group) and 24/193 patients (12%) had a capsule thickness greater than 2.0 mm (positive ultrasound group). Twenty-seven patients from negative ultrasound group (27/169) were randomly selected to undergo shoulder magnetic resonance imaging. None of them had magnetic resonance imaging criteria for adhesive capsulitis. All patients from positive ultrasound group (24/24) underwent shoulder magnetic resonance imaging and 23 of them (23/24) had magnetic resonance imaging signs of adhesive capsulitis, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96%.

Conclusion

In patients with shoulder pain, a thickness greater than 2.0 mm of the axillary recess capsule measured by ultrasound correlates to magnetic resonance imaging signs of adhesive capsulitis with good sensitivity and specificity.

Computed Tomography Arthrography Findings of Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis of the Hip: An Analog of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder

Objective

To identify useful imaging findings for the diagnosis of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis of the hip (ACH) on computed tomography arthrography (CTA).

Materials and Methods

Twenty-eight consecutive patients (29 hips; 7 males; mean age, 45.7 years; age range, 17–67 years) with ACH from October 2009 to March 2017 and 29 age- and sex-matched control patients from 2014 to 2016 were enrolled. All CTA images were evaluated by 2 radiologists independently for joint distensibility (anterior-posterior [AP] and superior-inferior [SI] joint cavity filling ratios), the presence of contrast filling around the ligamentum teres, and extracapsular contrast leakage. Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of variance, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used for statistical analysis. P value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

The anterior joint cavity was significantly more obliterated in the ACH group (mean size, 3.7–4.0 mm) than in the control group (mean size, 4.8–5.0 mm; p < 0.05). The AP filling ratio was also significantly lower in the ACH group (0.6 vs. 1.1; p < 0.05) and decreased more as the ACH stage increased (mean anterior joint cavity size: 1.15 mm in stage 3 vs. 4.68 mm in stage 1; p < 0.05). Extracapsular contrast leakage was more common in the ACH group (27–28 vs. 20–21; p = 0.041 and 0.025, respectively).

Conclusion

On CTA, the anterior joint cavity may have earlier and more marked obliteration than joint cavities on other sides, and may be accompanied by extracapsular contrast leakage in ACH. These CTA findings may be helpful in the diagnosis of ACH.

Determination of magnetic resonance imaging criteria for diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis

The objective of this study was to identify optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters and their cutoff values for diagnosing adhesive capsulitis (AC). One hundred shoulder MRI images with stage 2 AC (AC group) and 100 MRI images without AC (control group) were randomly reviewed by two experienced shoulder specialists. They were asked whether MRI findings were compatible with AC and measurement of MRI parameters. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated. Correlation between MRI parameters and the range of motions was also analyzed. The mean capsular thickness in the axillary recess (AR) (5.9 mm in the AC group vs. 3.6 mm in the control group) on coronal oblique T2-weighted images and the rotator interval (RI) (7.2 mm vs. 4.8 mm, respectively) on oblique sagittal proton-density images were significantly greater in the AC group than in the control group, whereas the width of RI showed no significant difference between two groups. The highest diagnostic cutoff values were 4.5 mm for the AR and 6 mm for the RI, with sensitivity (91% and 88%, respectively), specificity (90% and 90%), and accuracy (90% and 89%). Capsular thickness in the AR and RI was significantly correlated with external rotation (P = 0.047) and internal rotation (P = 0.023). On conventional MRI, capsular thickness greater than 4.5 mm in the AR or 6 mm in the RI can be an optimal criterion for diagnosing AC. Capsular thickness in the AR and RI was correlated with the range of rotational motion.

Ultrasound measurements of axillary recess capsule thickness in unilateral frozen shoulder: study of correlation with MRI measurements

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to compare the ultrasound thickness of the affected axillary recess capsule (ARC) with that of the unaffected ARC in patients with frozen shoulder (FS), to analyze whether the ultrasound measurements of the ARC thickness correlate with those obtained using MRI, and to assess whether the ultrasound thickness of the ARC correlates with the patterns of range of motion limitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four patients with clinically diagnosed unilateral FS and MRI evaluation performed ultrasound measurement of ARC. The ultrasound measurement of the ARC thickness was performed with the patients in a supine position with their shoulder abducted by 40°. The ARC thickness was also measured by MRI on oblique coronal images by another physician blinded to the ultrasound measurements. With both ultrasound and MRI, ARC thickness was determined at the widest portion of the capsule.

RESULTS

The ultrasound thickness of ARC was significantly higher in the affected shoulder (4.4 ± 1.1 mm) than in the unaffected one (2.2 ± 0.5 mm) (p < 0.001). The ultrasound thickness of the ARC in the affected shoulder correlated with that measured by MRI (8.9 ± 1.9 mm) (p < 0.001, r = 0.83). The ARC thickness, whether measured by ultrasound or MRI, was not significantly related to the limitation of movement in specific directions.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound can demonstrate the difference in ARC thickness between affected and unaffected shoulders in patients with unilateral FS. The ARC thickness measured by ultrasound correlates with that measured by MRI.

Early postoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: T2 hyperintensity of the capsule can predict reduced shoulder motion

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether postoperative shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings correlate with postoperative shoulder range of motion (ROM) at about 4 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Signal-intensity changes of the capsule, pericapsular soft tissue at the axillary recess, and subcoracoid fat triangle, as well as the thickness of the capsule at the axillary recess and coracohumeral ligament were assessed on preoperative and postoperative MR images of 232 patients. The ROM was evaluated preoperatively and at about 4 months after ARCR.

RESULTS

T2 hyperintensity of the capsule, pericapsular soft tissue at the axillary recess, and signal change of the subcoracoid fat triangle were detected in 155, 107, and 89 cases, respectively, on postoperative MRI. Among these cases, 129, 98, and 69 cases, respectively, showed newly developed signal changes. The mean thicknesses of the capsule and coracohumeral ligament were 1.89 ± 0.69 and 1.64 ± 0.51 mm, respectively, on preoperative MRI and 3.74 ± 1.12 and 2.42 ± 0.56 mm, respectively, on postoperative MRI. At the 4-month follow-up, the mean external rotation (ER), internal rotation (IR), abduction, forward flexion, and extension were 77, 73, 76, 83, and 82%, respectively, of the contralateral side. Newly developed T2 hyperintensity of the capsule and pericapsular soft tissue at the axillary recess on postoperative MRI significantly correlated with the postoperative limitation of ER (p = 0.039) and IR (p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Newly developed signal changes of the capsule, pericapsular soft tissue at the axillary recess, and subcoracoid fat triangle were often detected on postoperative MRI at 4 months after ARCR. Furthermore, newly developed T2 hyperintensity of the capsule and pericapsular soft tissue at the axillary recess correlated with limited ROM in ER and IR at 4 months after ARCR.

The Association between the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Adhesive Capsulitis and Shoulder Muscle Fat Quantification Using a Multi-Echo Dixon Method

Objective

To investigate the association between the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of adhesive capsulitis and shoulder muscle fat percentages using a multi-echo Dixon method.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-four patients with clinical diagnoses of adhesive capsulitis and either intact rotator cuffs or Ellman grade 1 partial tears as indicated by MRI scans were included. Two radiologists independently evaluated MRI scans of adhesive capsulitis as follows: presence or absence of axillary recess capsular and extracapsular hyperintensities; thickness of the coracohumeral ligament; thickness of abnormal rotator interval soft tissue; and thickness of glenoidal/humeral axillary recess capsules. Fat quantifications of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis, teres major and posterior deltoid muscles were performed using multi-echo Dixon imaging at three locations. Inter-rater agreement was assessed. Differences in fat percentages were assessed and correlations between fat percentages and quantitative measurements were evaluated.

Results

The fat percentage of the supraspinatus was significantly higher in patients with extracapsular hyperintensity (present, 3.00 ± 1.74%; absent, 1.81 ± 0.80%; p = 0.022). There were positive correlations between the fat percentage of the teres minor and the thicknesses of the abnormal rotator interval soft tissue (r = 0.494, p = 0.014) and the glenoidal axillary recess capsule (r = 0.475, p = 0.019). After controlling for the effects of age, sex and clinical stage, the relationship between the teres minor fat percentage and the thickness of the abnormal rotator interval soft tissue was statistically significant (r = 0.384, p = 0.048). Inter-rater agreement was almost perfect for fat quantification (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] > 0.9) and qualitative analyses (k = 0.824), but were variable for quantitative measurements (ICC, 0.170-0.606).

Conclusion

Several MRI findings of adhesive capsulitis were significantly related to higher fat percentages of shoulder muscles.

The diagnostic value of a modified Neer test in identifying subacromial impingement syndrome

BACKGROUND

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is characterized by pain experienced through an arc of elevation as the shoulder abducts and diagnosed commonly by Neer test (NT). However, the diagnostic accuracy of NT for SAIS is still limited. Here, a modified Neer test (MNT) was introduced to improve the accuracy of the clinical examination in diagnosing SAIS and differentiating it from frozen shoulder. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic values of MNT in diagnosing SAIS and differentiating it from frozen shoulder.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and June 2015, a prospective study assessed 85 shoulders among 82 patients with shoulder joint disease; 42 patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and all 82 patients received X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or MRI contrast examinations. The diagnostic criteria are based on arthroscopy and MRI scanning.

RESULTS

Using clinical epidemiology and diagnostic tests, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and degree of accuracy of MNT in diagnosing SAIS. The diagnostic accuracy rate of MNT in identifying shoulder SAIS was 90.59%, and the specificity was 95.56%.

CONCLUSIONS

In the diagnosis of SAIS, MNT is a reliable and highly accurate maneuver and seems useful to distinguish this syndrome from frozen shoulder.

Sonography in diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: a case-control study

PURPOSE

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder has been a diagnosis of exclusion on sonography due to lack of specific diagnostic criteria. This study prospectively assesses the efficacy of sonography using multiple static and dynamic parameters for diagnosis of AC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Shoulder sonography was performed independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists on 90 subjects (60 symptomatic and 30 controls). All symptomatic subjects were subjected to an MRI. Based on clinical and MRI diagnosis, three groups were made: AC (n = 30), painful shoulders (PS) (n = 30), and control group (CL) (n = 30). The sonographic parameters studied were: coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickness, increased soft tissue in rotator interval (static parameters) and restriction of abduction and external rotation on dynamic scanning. These were compared within the three groups and the accuracy of each parameter in isolation and in combination for diagnosis of AC was calculated.

RESULTS

Sonographic visualisation of CHL (96.7%) and its mean thickness (1.2 mm) were highest in the AC group (p < 0.01). A cut-off value of 0.7 mm was found to be accurate (sensitivity 93.1%, specificity 94.4%) for diagnosing AC. Increased soft tissue in the rotator interval was seen in the AC group and had a high sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 92.8%. On dynamic scanning, restriction of external rotation was specific (sensitivity 86.2%, specificity 92.8%), whereas restriction in abduction was non-specific (specificity 6.7%). Inter-observer agreement was substantial for CHL visualisation (kappa 0.66). Overall, sonography, using multiple parameters, revealed a high sensitivity and specificity (100 and 87%, respectively) for diagnosis of AC of the shoulder.

CONCLUSION

Sonography revealed a high accuracy for diagnosing AC of the shoulder and in differentiating it from other causes of painful shoulder. It, thus, has the potential to be adopted as a preferred imaging modality.

Correlation of Joint Volume and Passive Range of Motion With Capsulo-Synovial Thickness Measured by Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adhesive Capsulitis

BACKGROUND

No study has investigated the relationship between the findings of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) and the joint volume of the shoulder, which has been considered the standard reference for diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (AC).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationships among the capsulo-synovial thickness measured by CE-MRI, joint volume, and passive range of motion (ROM) in patients with AC.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING

The study took place at an institutional practice.

PATIENTS

Medical record of 103 patients (46 male and 57 female), who were treated with sonographically guided intra-articular injection with diagnosis of AC and underwent CE-MRI to rule out other concomitant shoulder disease, were retrospectively reviewed.

METHODS

Passive ROM and glenohumeral joint (GHJ) volume were measured before and during sonographically guided injection. The thickness of the enhancing portion of the capsulo-synovium was measured at the axillary recess and rotator interval on CE-MRI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The relationship among the thickness of the enhancing portion on CE-MRI, GHJ volume, and passive ROM was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Capsulo-synovial thickness measured by CE-MRI at the enhancing portion of the axillary recess inversely correlated with GHJ volume (ρ = -0.444, P < .001), whereas at the rotator interval, this finding was not observed. At the axillary recess, the capsulo-synovial thickness inversely correlated with abduction (ρ = -0.400, P < .001), forward elevation (ρ = -0.378, P < .001), and external rotation (ρ = -0.297, P < .01), but at the rotator interval, such statistically significant correlations were not shown.

CONCLUSION

The capsulo-synovial thickness measured by CE-MRI at the enhancing portion of the axillary recess could represent obliterated joint capacity and clinical impairment (restricted passive ROM), which could help in diagnosing AC and in differentiating other shoulder diseases that may mimic this condition.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable?

OBJECTIVE

To determine if diagnostic signs of adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder at Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and arthrography (MRA) are applicable to CT arthrography (CTA).

METHODS

22 shoulder CTAs with AC were retrospectively reviewed for features described in MR literature. The control group was composed of 83 shoulder CTA divided into four subgroups 1) normal (N = 20), 2) omarthrosis (N = 19), 3) labral injury (N = 23), and 4) rotator cuff tear (N = 21). Two musculoskeletal radiologists assessed the rotator interval (RI) for obliteration, increased width and thickening of coracohumeral ligament (CHL). The width and capsule thickness of the axillary recess were measured.

RESULTS

The width of the axillary recess was significantly decreased in the AC group (4.6 ± 2.6 mm versus 9.9 ± 4.6 mm, p ≤ 0.0001; sensitivity and specificity of 84% and 80%). Thickness of the medial and lateral walls of the axillary capsule was significantly increased in the AC group (5.9 ± 1.3 mm versus 3.7 ± 1.1 mm, p ≤ 0.0001 and 5.7 ± 1 mm versus 3.5 ± 1.3 mm, p ≤ 0.0001, respectively). CHL thickness was significantly increased in the AC group (4.1 ± 1 mm (p ≤ 0.001)) in comparison to others groups. Obliteration of the RI was statistically significantly more frequent in patients with AC (72.7% (16/22) vs. 12% (10/83), p < 0.0001). Width of the RI did not differ significantly between patients and controls (p ≥ 0.428).

CONCLUSION

Decreased axillary width, and thickened axillary capsule are MR signs of AC applicable to CTA. Evaluation of rotator interval seems useful and reproducible only for obliteration.

Clinical correlation of metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT in idiopathic frozen shoulder

Objective

Because positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) can be used to visualize inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, it may help elucidate the pathophysiology of frozen shoulder (FS). The purpose of this study was to characterize the uptake pattern on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in patients with idiopathic FS and to determine if there is a correlation between its metabolic parameters and clinical findings.

Methods

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT was conducted to 35 patients with unilateral idiopathic FS. Clinical data including pain, functional scores, and passive range of motion (ROM) were collected. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were measured at the four regions of interest (ROIs): rotator interval (RI), anterior joint capsule (AJC), axillary recess (AR), and posterior joint capsule (PJC) from the attenuation-corrected axial images.

Results

Mean SUVmax values for four ROIs of the affected shoulder were significantly higher than those of the unaffected shoulder. Mean SUVmax values of RI and AR were significantly higher than those of AJC and PJC and mean SUVmax of AJC was significantly higher than that of PJC in the affected side. Three recognizable patterns of increased uptake were noted: (1) AR dominant type (15 patients); (2) RI dominant type (9 patients); (3) both RI and AR dominant type (11 patients). The SUVmax of AR showed negative correlation with abduction and forward flexion. The SUVmax of RI showed negative correlation with external rotation and internal rotation. The SUVmax of AJC showed negative correlation with all ROMs. However, there was no significant correlation between the SUVmax of PJC and any ROM.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the anterior–inferior capsular portion, including RI and AR, is the main pathologic site of idiopathic FS and reveals significant correlations between ROM and metabolic parameters on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. These results imply that AR and RI lesions are related to elevational limitations and rotational limitations, respectively.

Characteristics of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of idiopathic severe frozen shoulder

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of current techniques for dynamic 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of idiopathic severe frozen shoulder (FS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects consisted of 5 healthy volunteers and 16 patients with idiopathic severe FS. We defined severe idiopathic FS as follows: range of motion ≤100° in forward flexion, ≤10° in external rotation, and ≤L5 in internal rotation. All patients suffered from continued global range of motion loss for at least 6 months. We evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of 3-dimensional dynamic MRI in FS patients compared with those in healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

MRI of all FS patients displayed an abnormal intake of blood flow from the acromial arterial network and the branches of circumflex humeral arteries into the axillary pouch and the rotator interval. We named this finding "burning sign." The burning sign was present at all phases of the condition. In the FS group, the patients with enhanced deposition of contrast medium in the axillary pouch in the delayed phase (n = 11) had a statistically significant score for pain during exercise, higher than that of patients with reduced deposition of contrast medium at the same site (n = 5; P = .027).

CONCLUSION

Burning sign is an abnormal finding that appears in dynamic MRI of severe FS. Hence, the burning sign may be associated with pain and inflammation in idiopathic FS.

Correlations between MRI findings and outcome of capsular distension in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with adhesive shoulder capsulitis and the therapeutic effect of capsular distension. [Subjects and Methods] We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 57 patients who underwent capsular distension therapy after a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis with clinical and MRI scans. Axillary joint capsular thickness by MRI was graded as I (≤3.6 mm), II (3.7–4.2 mm), and III (≥4.3 mm). Subcoracoid fat obliteration of the rotator interval was graded subjectively as absent, partial, and complete. [Results] Capsular thickness and fat replacement were correlated with passive range of motion (PROM) and pain score on a visual analog scale (VAS) by analysis of variance with a Bonferroni correction before treatment and by analysis of covariance with a Bonferroni correction after treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) for patients with all grades decreased significantly after treatment and passive range of motion (PROM) for patients with all grades improved. No difference was detected between grades. [Conclusion] Although MRI is useful to evaluate adhesive capsulitis, MRI findings of shoulder did not predict the prognosis after capsular distension treatment.

Ultrasonographic measurement of the axillary recess thickness in an asymptomatic shoulder

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to measure the axillary recess (AR) thickness in an asymptomatic shoulder by using ultrasonography (US) and to analyze the factors affecting it.

Methods

We recruited 141 patients (52 males; 89 females; age, 57.7±9.9 years) with unilateral shoulder pain and performed US on the unaffected shoulder. Two physiatrists measured the AR thickness of the unaffected shoulder independently. All patients were examined in an upright sitting position with 90° shoulder abduction. The ultrasonographic transducer was placed longitudinally on the mid-axillary line and along the long axis of the humeral shaft. The factors affecting the AR thickness values were analyzed, and intra-class correlation coefficients were used for assessing the reproducibility of each measurement.

Results

The intrarater reliability values for the two physiatrists were 0.98 and 0.96, respectively. The inter-rater reliability of the mean AR thickness measurements was 0.91. The mean AR thickness in all subjects, males, and females was 2.8±0.6 mm, 3.1±0.6 mm, and 2.6±0.5 mm (P<0.01), respectively. No difference between the left and the right sides (males, P=0.086; females, P=0.535) or between the dominant and the non-dominant sides (males, P=0.173; female, P=0.244) was found. The AR thickness correlated positively with the height (r=0.313, P<0.01) and the weight (r=0.319, P<0.01). However, it did not correlate with the body mass index (r=0.152, P=0.077) or the age (r=-0.056, P=0.515).

Conclusion

US measurements of the AR thickness in asymptomatic shoulders demonstrated excellent intrarater and inter-rater reliabilities. The AR thickness showed anatomical variation with sex, height, and weight.

Ultrasonographic Measurement of the Thickness of Axillary Recess Capsule in Healthy Volunteers

Objective

To evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of ultrasonographic measurements of axillary recess (AR) thickness in healthy individuals, and to analyze the factors affecting the thickness of the AR capsule.

Methods

We recruited 20 healthy individuals (10 male, 10 female) with a mean age of 37 years (standard deviation ±10). Two physiatrists (an experienced and a novice rater) independently investigated the AR thickness in three rounds. The AR thickness was measured for each individual at three shoulder abduction angles (50°, 70°, and 90°). Intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficients were used to assess the reproducibility of each measurement.

Results

Excellent intra-rater reliability coefficients were observed at the three shoulder abduction angles, in the analysis of both raters. The inter-rater reliability coefficient was also was excellent in both studies. There were significant differences in the AR thickness, according to the angle of shoulder abduction. The AR was thicker at 50° than at 70° and 90° (all p<0.001), and the AR was thicker at 70° than at 90° (p<0.001). Height (r=0.62, p=0.003) and body mass index (r=0.52, p=0.019) were positively correlated with AR thickness. Males had a thicker AR capsule than females at all three angles (all p<0.001).

Conclusion

Ultrasonographic measurements of AR thickness in healthy individuals demonstrate excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. AR thickness may depend on anthropometric variables and position of the shoulder.

Proper site of corticosteroid injection for the treatment of idiopathic frozen shoulder: Results from a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to determine whether corticosteroid injection into the subacromial space was not inferior to intra-articular injection in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder (FS), and whether combined injections had an additive effect.

METHODS

Patients with idiopathic FS (n=126) were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided intra-articular (IA group), subacromial (SA group), or combined IA and subacromial injections (IA+SA group). All groups received a total dose of 40mg triamcinolone acetonide. The outcome measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) shoulder score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), and passive range of motion before and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

There was significant effect of time on all measurements such that all measures improved in all groups (P<0.001) during the 12 weeks after treatment. Group-by-time interactions were significant for ASES (P=0.006), VAS (P<0.001), SSV (P=0.03), and internal rotation (P=0.014). Between-group comparisons revealed a significant improvement in the IA (P<0.001) and IA+SA (P<0.001) groups as compared to the SA group. The IA+SA group demonstrated significant improvement in internal rotation as compared to the IA group (P=0.046).

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of corticosteroid injection into the SA space in idiopathic FS was inferior to IA injection up to 12 weeks; however, combination injections had an additive effect on increasing the internal rotation angle. These results indicate that although the glenohumeral joint is a major site in the pathogenesis of idiopathic FS, the SA space may be a contributing site.

Elasticity of the Coracohumeral Ligament in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder

PURPOSE

To evaluate the elasticity of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) in healthy individuals and patients with clinical findings suggestive of unilaterally involved adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board approved this single-institution prospective study, which was performed between November 15, 2012, and July 8, 2014. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Measurement of CHL thickness was performed in the axial oblique plane under shoulder maximal external rotation. Shear-wave elastography (SWE) was used to evaluate elasticity of the CHL in healthy individuals (11 men, 19 women aged 22-62 years) and those with clinical findings suggestive of ACS (nine men, 11 women aged 41-70 years). SWE was performed in the shoulder-neutral position and under maximal external rotation. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare the thickness and elastic modulus of the CHL between bilateral shoulders.

RESULTS

In all subjects, the CHL elastic modulus was larger under maximal external rotation than in the neutral position (P < .001 for all). For healthy subjects, there was no significant difference in the CHL elastic modulus between the dominant and nondominant shoulders. For patients presumed to have ACS, the CHL thickness was significantly greater in the symptomatic shoulder than in the unaffected shoulder (P < .001). The CHL elastic modulus of the symptomatic shoulder (median, 234.8 kPa; interquartile range [IQR], 174.4-256.7 kPa) was significantly greater than that of the unaffected shoulder (median, 203.3 kPa; IQR, 144.1-242.7 kPa) in the shoulder-neutral position (P = .004) but not under maximal external rotation (P = .123). When bilateral shoulders were maintained at the same angle of external rotation, the CHL elastic modulus was greater in the symptomatic shoulder than in the unaffected shoulder (P = .005).

CONCLUSION

In patients with clinical findings suggestive of ACS, SWE showed that the CHL is stiffer in the symptomatic shoulder than in the unaffected shoulder.

Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis: comparison of contrast-enhanced MRI with noncontrast-enhanced MRI

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and non-CE MRI for adhesive capsulitis (AC).

METHODS

CE MRI of 50 AC and 53 non-AC patients were reviewed by two radiologists independently.

RESULTS

Axillary capsular thickening and T2 hyperintensity (sensitivity=92-94%; specificity=53-64%) and enhancement of the axillary capsule and rotator interval (sensitivity=92-98%; specificity=38-64%) were helpful in diagnosing AC. Interobserver reliability was highest with axillary joint capsule enhancement (κ=0.92).

CONCLUSION

Non-CE and CE MRI are helpful in confirming the clinical diagnosis of AC. CE-MRI may improve assessment of the rotator interval and diagnostic confidence in patients with AC.

Prevalence of HAGL lesions and associated abnormalities on shoulder MR examination

OBJECTIVE

Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is an uncommon shoulder injury. We report the prevalence of HAGL lesions and other associated shoulder injuries in a large series of shoulder MR examinations. All results were correlated with surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MR reports of 1,000 consecutive conventional shoulder MR exams performed on patients with shoulder pain were reviewed in our information system for the word HAGL. A total of 743 patients went on to surgery. There were 23 HAGL lesions reported at surgery. Those 23 examinations were reviewed retrospectively in consensus by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Scans were assessed for HAGL lesions, full or partial thickness supraspinatus, infraspinatus or subscapularis tendon tears, superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) tears, anterior or posterior labral tears, and Hill-Sachs lesions.

RESULTS

All 23 patients had HAGL lesions at surgery. Sixteen HAGL lesions were seen on prospective MR reading and 17 HAGL lesions were seen on retrospective MR consensus reading. Six HAGL lesions were not seen on retrospective consensus reading. Sixteen patients had Hill-Sachs deformities, ten had subscapularis tendon tears, five had supraspinatus tendon tears, six had superior labral tearing, and six had anterior labral tears. The above findings were confirmed on arthroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, there was a 1.6 % prevalence on all MR examinations, and prevalence of 2.1 % seen on MR examination for those who went to surgery. Common injuries associated with HAGL lesions are Hill-Sachs deformities and subscapularis tendon tears. Anterior labral tears were seen in only six cases despite Hill-Sachs deformities in 16 patients. In patients with Hill-Sachs deformities without anterior labral tears, one must carefully assess for the presence of a HAGL lesion.

Metabolic patterns of the shoulder joint on (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in adhesive capsulitis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to demonstrate metabolic patterns on (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed (18)F-FDG PET/CT performed on 22 shoulders of 21 patients diagnosed with AC: 2 shoulders with stage I, 14 with stage II, and 6 with stage III. A clinical diagnosis of AC was retrospectively made based on clinical examination, clinical course, and imaging. The pattern of radiotracer uptake was analyzed. Standardized uptake values in rotator interval (RI), anterior joint capsule (AJC), axillary recess (AR), and greater tuberosity were measured and compared to those of the contralateral side and the control group consisting of 40 shoulders in 20 subjects without shoulder pain.

RESULTS

Four patterns of uptake were noted: (1) glenoid type I (n = 16), with uptake in RI, AJC, and AR; (2) glenoid type II (n = 2),with uptake in AJC and AR; (3) glenoid type III (n = 2), with uptake in RI and AJC; (4) focal type (n = 2), with uptake in RI or AR. Affected side SUVmax for RI, AJC, and AR was significantly higher compared with the unaffected side and the control group. Two shoulders with stage I AC had patterns similar to the ones with stage II or III.

CONCLUSION

Specific patterns of (18)F-FDG uptake with dominant uptake in RI, AJC, or AR may be related to AC.

Adhesive capsulitis: review of imaging and treatment

Adhesive capsulitis is one of the most common conditions affecting the shoulder; however, early clinical diagnosis can be challenging. Treatment is most effective when commenced prior to the onset of capsular thickening and contracture; consequently, the role of imaging is increasing. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the typical imaging appearances of adhesive capsulitis and to examine some of the evidence regarding each of these imaging modalities. An evaluation of the various management options available to the clinician is also presented.

Glenohumeral articular cartilage lesions: prospective comparison of non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging and findings at arthroscopy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and test-retest reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting cartilage abnormalities of the glenohumeral joint in comparison with the gold standard of diagnostic arthroscopy.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with a preoperative non-contrast MRI study of their affected shoulder underwent arthroscopy by one surgeon for rotator cuff tendinopathy from 2009 to 2010. Articular cartilage defects were prospectively recorded and graded according to the International Cartilage Repair Society classification system at the time of arthroscopy. One year after surgery, the preoperative MRI were reviewed by a board-certified radiologist and the treating surgeon for articular cartilage defects of both the humeral head and the glenoid. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and test-retest reliability were calculated.

RESULTS

At arthroscopy, 43% of the shoulders were found to have articular cartilage defects. When the readers' findings were combined, the sensitivity of detecting humeral lesions on MRI was 32%; specificity, 80%; accuracy, 63%; PPV, 57%; and NPV, 66%. The sensitivity of detecting glenoid lesions was 31%; specificity, 86%; accuracy, 76%; PPV, 33%; and NPV, 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study finds that the overall accuracy of MRI in detecting articular cartilage damage in patients with the clinical diagnosis of subacromial pathology is moderate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, development of diagnostic criteria based on consecutive patients with universally applied reference "gold" standard.

Adhesive capsulitis of the knee

The authors describe the case of a 42-year-old woman presenting with significant knee pain and disability. Her imaging findings using contrast MR imaging and FDG PET/CT suggested adhesive capsulitis, which was confirmed by arthroscopy, histology, and the clinical outcome.

An MRI study of symptomatic adhesive capsulitis

Background

Appilication of MR imaging to diagnose Adhesive Capsulitis (AC) has previously been described. However, there is insufficient information available for the MRI analysis of AC. This study is to describe and evaluate the pathomorphology of the shoulder in Asian patients with AC compared to healthy volunteers.

Methodology/Principal Findings

60 Asian patients with clinically diagnosed AC and 60 healthy volunteers without frozen shoulder underwent MRI of the shoulder joint. All subjects who were age- and sex-matched control ones underwent routine MRI scans of the affected shoulder, including axial, oblique coronal, oblique sagittal T1WI SE and coronal oblique T2WI FSE sequences. Significant abnormal findings were observed on MRI, especially at the rotator cuff interval. The coracohumeral ligament (CHL), articular capsule thickness in the rotator cuff interval as well as the fat space under coracoid process were evaluated. MRI showed that patients with adhesive capsulitis had a significantly thickened coracohumeral ligament and articular capsule in the rotator cuff interval compared to the control subjects (4.2 vs. 2.4 mm, 7.2 vs. 4.4 mm; p<0.05). Partial or complete obliteration of the subcoracoid fat triangle was significantly more frequent in patients with adhesive capsulitis compared with control subjects (73% vs. 13%, 26% vs. 1.6%; p<0.001). Synovitis-like abnormality around the long biceps tendon was significantly more common in patients with adhesive capsulitis than in control subjects. With regards to the inter-observer variability, two MR radiologists had an excellent kappa value of 0.86.

Conclusions/Significance

MRI can be used to show characteristic findings in diagnosing AC. Thickening of the CHL and the capsule at the rotator cuff interval and complete obliteration of the fat triangle under the coracoid process have been shown to be the most characteristic MR findings seen with AC.

Correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and clinical impairment in patients with adhesive capsulitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between clinical impairment and MRI findings in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Contrast-enhanced MRI of 97 patients with a clinical diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (AC) were retrospectively reviewed. Specific MRI criteria, including thickness and gadolinium enhancement of the joint capsule in the axillary recess and subcoracoid fat obliteration in the rotator interval, were correlated with limited range of motion (ROM) and pain. Other variables considered in this study were rotator cuff pathology, arm dominance, diabetes mellitus, age, and gender. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic and linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Thickening of the joint capsule in the axillary recess correlated with limited external rotation (p < 0.01), gender (p < 0.01) and arm dominance (p < 0.05). Gadolinium enhancement of the joint capsule in the axillary recess correlated with pain intensity (p < 0.05). Subcoracoid fat obliteration in the rotator interval was not correlated with limited ROM or pain.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI can be a useful technique to assess several clinical impairment measures in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Thickening and gadolinium enhancement of the joint capsule in the axillary recess on MRI are associated with limited ROM and pain.

Limited subacromial gliding of the supraspinatus tendon during dynamic ultrasonography can predict a decrease in capacity and MR arthrographic features of the shoulder joint

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the painful subacromial gliding limitation of the supraspinatus tendon (SGLS) during dynamic ultrasonography, the features of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and the maximum intra-articular injection volume to predict decreased joint capacity of the shoulder joint.

METHODS

Between January 2003 and August 2011, 67 patients prospectively underwent ultrasonography including dynamic examination and MRA. Ultrasonography and ultrasonography-guided injection of contrast medium was performed before MRA, and each SGLSdU was compared with injected contrast volume, which was assumed as the maximum joint capacity and MRA features.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients (70.1%) were revealed as SGLS-positive, and 20 patients (29.9%) were revealed as SGLS-negative by dynamic ultrasonography. Pearson's correlation coefficient between SGLS and the injection volume was -0.764 (P < 0.001). The value between SGLS and MRA features was 0.711 (P < 0.001). The mean injected volume of the SGLS-positive (22.0 ml) and negative group (10.7 ml) was significantly different (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SGLS at ultrasonography correlated well with MRA features and the maximum intra-articular injection volume. This sign could predict the decreased capacity of the shoulder joint, an important feature of adhesive capsulitis, and increase the usefulness of dynamic ultrasonography.

KEY POINTS

• Dynamic ultrasound is increasingly used in the evaluation of the shoulder. • This can assess subacromial gliding limitation of the supraspinatus tendon (SGLS) • SGLS appeared inversely proportional to the maximum volume of intra-articular injection. • Dynamic ultrasonography findings correlated well with MR arthrographic features of adhesive capsulitis.