To evaluate the usefulness of anterior capsular abnormality on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Informed consent was waived due to the retrospective nature of the study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria Patients Between January 2016 and December 2016, consecutive 219 shoulder MR examinations excluding MR arthrography were performed in our institution. Medical records of these patients were analyzed. The initial diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis was based on history and clinical symptoms. Clinical criteria for the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis included restricted passive motion of greater than 30 degrees in two...

Comparisons of MRI Findings by Univariate Analysis There was no significant difference in sex or age between the adhesive capsulitis group and the control group. Results of comparison of MRI findings between the two groups are summarized in Table 1. All qualitative and quantitative MRI findings were significantly different between adhesive capsulitis and control groups. The mean anterior capsular thickness in the adhesive capsulitis group was higher than that of the control group (3.99 ± 1.64 mm vs. 1.66 ± 0.79 mm, p < 0.001)....

In conclusion, anterior capsular abnormality such as thickness and increased signal intensity (edema) can be used for diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of shoulder. Among various MR findings of adhesive capsulitis, anterior capsular thickness and edema as well as maximal axillary capsular thickness had strong diagnostic value in adhesive capsulitis. In addition to known abnormal MRI findings at the rotator interval including the subcoracoid fat triangle and axillary recess, evaluation of the anterior capsule of shoulder joint could be used for early diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis.

ADDIN EN.REFLIST 1. Tamai K, Akutsu M, Yano Y. Primary frozen shoulder: brief review of pathology and imaging abnormalities. J Orthop Sci. 2014; 19(1):1-5. 2. Ryan V, Brown H, Minns Lowe CJ, Lewis JS. The pathophysiology associated with primary (idiopathic) frozen shoulder: A systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016; 17(1):340. 3. Lee MH, Ahn JM, Muhle C, Kim SH, Park JS, Kim SH, et al. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: diagnosis using magnetic resonance arthrography, with arthroscopic findings as the standard. Journal of computer assisted...

Jina Park, MD1,#, Yoon-Hee Choi, MD, PhD2,#, Jee Won Chai, MD, PhD1, Seung Woo Cha, MD1, Joo Hee Lim, MD1, Chris Hyunchul Jo, MD3, Dong Hyun Kim, MD1,* 1Department of Radiology, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of...