Background/Purpose: Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis is described as a frozen shoulder with severe and global range-of-motion loss of unknown etiology. On the other hand, the most common cause of shoulder pain is impingement syndrome. The aim of our study was to investigate of clinical and radiological features of adhesive capsulitis and shoulder impingement syndrome according to functional outcomes.

Methods: One hundred and fifty patients with adhesive capsulitis and shoulder impingement syndrome enrolled. The demographic characteristics of the patients were examined. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and routine blood test results were recorded. Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to measure pain and functional status. Statistical analysis was made using NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 Statistical Software (Utah, USA).

Results were evaluated considering the significance level p< 0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.57±6.20 years (min:36; max: 66; median: 55) out of 150 patients, 96 were women and 54 were men. Seventy-five patients had adhesive capsulitis and Seventy-five patients had shoulder impingement syndrome. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to descriptive characteristics of the patients (p>0.05). Hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperlipidemia were significantly higher were detected in patients with adhesive capsulitis (p <0.05). No significant was noted difference in terms of thyroid disease, and cardiac disease between the groups (p> 0.05). The functional disturbance and disability evaluated by CSS and SDQ were significantly higher in patients with adhesive capsulitis (p<0.05). According to the radiological findings, partial rupture and effusion were significantly higher in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (p<0.05). No significant difference was determined between the groups according to the presence of labral tear or total rupture in MRI results (p>0.05). No difference was noted CSS and SDQ scores according to presence of partial rupture in both groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In present study, the radiological findings may not be associated with severe pain or poor functional status. DM, HT and accompanying hyperlipidemia were risk factors for adhesive capsulitis. Comorbid diseases should be kept in mind. It is important to identify high-risk patients to prevent and to arrange the treatment strategies.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/clinical-and-radiological-characteristics-of-patients-with-adhesive-capsulitis-and-shoulder-impingement-syndrome/