Object: To find out the anatomical changes of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder by the ultrasonography.
Method: We examined 20 patients with a adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Ultrasonographic findings were analysed by a radiologist who measured the synovium thickness of anterior, posterior and axillary plane and coracohumeral ligament length of the shoulder.
Results: Synovium thickness of the shoulder was measured with a mean value of 1.4⁑0.3 mm in the anterior plane, 1.4⁑0.4 mm in posterior plane and 1.8⁑0.5 mm in axillary plane of the unaffected sides and a mean value of 1.7⁑0.5 mm in the anterior, 1.8⁑0.4 mm in posterior and 3.2⁑1.0 mm in axillary planes of the affected sides. Coracohumeral ligament length was measured with a mean value of 27.8⁑7.9 mm in the unaffected side and 26.3⁑8.1 mm in the affected side.
Conclusion: The characteristic appearance of the adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder by ultrasonography was an increased synovium thickness in the axillary plane compared to the unaffected side. This study demonstrates that the ultrasonography is a valuable tool for the evaluation and follow up for the adhesive capsulitis of shoulder.
