Describe the characteristic findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with clinically confirmed diagnosis of “adhesive capsulitis.”

Frozen shoulder is the result of a gradual loss of motion in the glenohumeral joint due to inflammation of structures overlying the same. Its presence has become particularly frequent in recent times and is clinically known in adults as “adhesive capsulitis.” This condition includes a number of pathological conditions which hinder sport performance. Many theories about the pathogenesis have been formulated, being the most accepted the repetitive microtrauma. Furthermore, we also found a small percentage of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis. It is clinically manifested with diffuse...

The most frequent findings were thickening at coracohumeral and inferior glenohumeral ligament level as well as at joint capsule in the rotator interval and subcoracoid triangle. Less commonly we observed biceps tendinitis, bursitis, acromioclavicular joint disease and calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff muscle.

Knowledge of MRI findings in the evaluation of adhesive capsulitis is essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of this entity. Visible findings by this method can change the spectrum of treatment from arthroscopic conservative type or, infrequently, surgical type.

“Adhesive Capsulitis” MRI Web Clinic — February 2005 “Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder and treatment with protease inhibitors in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: report of 8 cases”. Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Université Paris VII, Colombes, France. Carolyn M, Gina A, Ciavarra, Hannafin JO,Frank PH, Cordasco MS andHollis G; “Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Adhesive Capsulitis: Correlation with Clinical Staging” Kyoung D S, Won J, Cheol Yoon Y, Sang-Hee C. “Indirect MR Arthographic Findings of Adhesive Capsulitis” Polster J and Schickendantz M;“Shoulder MRI:...