Publication

Detection and quantification of glenohumeral joint effusion: reliability of ultrasound

Journal Paper/Review - Apr 19, 2011

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Zubler V, Mamisch-Saupe N, Pfirrmann C, Jost B, Zanetti M. Detection and quantification of glenohumeral joint effusion: reliability of ultrasound. Eur Radiol 2011; 21:1858-64.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Eur Radiol 2011; 21
Publication Date
Apr 19, 2011
Issn Electronic
1432-1084
Pages
1858-64
Brief description/objective

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate reliability of ultrasound for detection and quantification of glenohumeral joint effusion.

METHODS
With institutional review board approval and informed consent ultrasound of 30 consecutive patients before and after MR arthrography of the shoulder was performed. Presence and width of any anechoic collection was noted within various locations (biceps tendon sheath, subscapular recess (neutral position and internal rotation), posterior glenohumeral joint recess (neutral position and external rotation)). Injected fluid (8-12 ml) into the glenohumeral joint served as gold-standard. Widths of anechoic collections were correlated (Spearman rank correlation) with injected fluid.

RESULTS
Glenohumeral anechoic collection was consistently seen in the posterior glenohumeral joint recess with the arm in external rotation (100%, 30/30), and in the biceps tendon sheath (97%, 29/30). Ultrasound was not sensitive at other locations (7%-17%). Mean width in anterior-posterior direction of anechoic collection in the posterior glenohumeral joint recess was 7 mm (range: 3-18 mm), 2 mm (range: 1-7 mm) in the biceps tendon sheath. Significant correlation (R = 0.390, p = 0.033) was found between width of anechoic collection and injected fluid in the posterior glenohumeral joint recess.

CONCLUSIONS
Glenohumeral joint effusion can be detected and quantified most reliably in the posterior glenohumeral joint recess with the arm in external rotation.