Subacromial-subdeltoid Bursa Research Articles

Lipoma Arborescens of the Subdeltoid Bursa Associated With Rotator Cuff Tear: A Case Report

Lipoma arborescens is a rare synovial lesion characterized by villous proliferation of the synovial membrane and replacement of subsynovial tissue with mature fat cells. The knee joint is the most frequently affected site, particularly in the suprapatellar pouch. However, there have been few reports regarding shoulder involvement, including the glenohumeral joint and subacromial subdeltoid bursa, associated with rotator cuff tear. This article reviews the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with lipoma arborescens of the left shoulder, associated with a rotator cuff tear. Sonography revealed a fluid collection with thickening of the synovial membrane with hyperechoic villous proliferation, located in the subdeltoid bursa. An arthroscopic synovectomy and rotator cuff repair were performed. Arthroscopic findings included yellow frond-like synovial proliferation of the synovium. Postoperatively, the patient was asymptomatic, and the lesion did not recur. Although magnetic resonance imaging is the first-line imaging modality for diagnosis of this lesion, sonography may be used initially for evaluation of chronic joint swelling. In addition, it can be useful for detection of recurrence after synovectomy. This case illustrates the typical sonographic features of lipoma arborescens.

Ultrasound assessment in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis vulgaris (non-PsA): which sites are most commonly involved and what features are more important in PsA?

The aim of this study was to find out the most commonly involved sites and the most important ultrasonic features in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In total, 120 PsA patients and 320 psoriasis vulgaris (non-PsA) patients were assessed by grayscale and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound (US). Joints, tendons, enthesis, and bursa changes were observed. Weights of affected anatomical sites of PsA patients (overall weights >90%) were calculated. Affected anatomical sites between PsA and non-PsA patients were compared. Ultrasonic features of joint, tendon, entheses, and bursa changes between PsA and non-PsA patients were also compared. Finally, the test performance of ultrasonic features for the diagnosis of PsA was calculated. The anatomical sites with the highest weights were the Achilles tendon, quadriceps tendon, and knee; weights of these anatomical sites were all more than 5%. Among the affected anatomical sites of PsA patients, most of the anatomical sites were more greatly affected in the PsA patients than in the non-PsA patients (all P<0.05). The comparison of the affected Achilles tendon, quadriceps tendon, MTP1, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, MCP4, and MCP3 showed no significance between PsA and non-PsA patients (all P>0.05). Joint synovial thickening, joint PD signal grades, joint bone erosions, tendon sheath synovial thickening, tendon sheath PD signals, enthesis bone erosions, and enthesis PD signals in PsA patients were higher than in non-PsA patients (all P<0.05). Joint PD signal grades, joint bone erosions, enthesis bone erosions, and enthesis PD signals showed the highest specificities, which were 96.06%, 95.15%, 96.93%, and 94.63% respectively. The most common involvement sites of PsA were the Achilles tendon, quadriceps tendon, and knee, and some sites in non-PsA patients were also highly involved. The most important features in PsA included joint PD signal grades, joint bone erosion, entheses bone erosions, and entheses PD signals in US assessment.

Clinical effectiveness of ultrasound guided subacromial-subdeltoid bursa injection of botulinum toxin type A in hemiplegic shoulder pain: A retrospective cohort study.

Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP), which occurs in most patients with hemiplegia, causes considerable distress and worsens outcomes in rehabilitation. Although they have received the treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs or physical therapy, many of the individuals remain suffering from shoulder pain 6 months after acute stroke event. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effectiveness of ultrasound guided subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursa injections with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) compared to steroids for refractory HSP.The data were collected retrospectively by reviewing the patient's medical records and pain questionnaires in our rehabilitation center. In total, 38 patients who received ultrasound guided SASD bursa injection (BoNT/A group, n = 18; corticosteroid group, n = 20) were included. The pain visual analog scale (VAS) score at rest and during arm passive abduction, Fugl-Meyer score of upper limbs (F-M score) were evaluated before, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after injection.Both 2 groups obtained a significant improvement of VAS score at rest or during arms passive abduction compared to baseline score (within group compare, P < .05). There were no significant differences of pain score improvement between two groups at week 2, 4, 8, and 12 after injection either at rest or during passive arm abduction (between 2 groups compare, P > .05). There were also no differences in results of the post treatment F-M score between 2 groups (between 2 groups compare, P > .05). Similarly, during the follow-up period no collateral effects were reported after BoNT/A injection.SASD bursa BoNT/A injection can substantially reduce the pain as corticosteroid in patients with HSP. BoNT/A injection could be a useful strategy for replacing steroids as a treatment for refractory HSP especially in the patients who cannot tolerate the steroids injection.

Sonographic presentation of rice bodies in subacromial-subdeltoid chronic bursitis

Backgroundsubacromial-subdeltoid chronic bursitis is one of the main causes of shoulder pain syndrome. There are various causes of shoulder pain syndrome including chronic bursitis. The sonographic appearances of chronic bursitis vary from patient to patient, depending upon the underlying cause. However, rice bodies are the rare sonographic presentation among them. Rice bodies can be associated with atypical mycobacterial tenosynovitis, bursitis, mycobacterium tuberculosis and infections, but very rarely occur in the chronic subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis. Its unique sonographic presentation makes it easy to be diagnosed confidently, but it is difficult to be recognized, interpret and distinguish from other pathologies due to its rare occurrence. It is therefore intended to present this rare and interesting sonographic presentation of chronic subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis as a case report.Case-presentationA 36-year-old male suffering from swelling and pain on his left shoulder for 6 months came to the clinic with Grade-3 impingement syndrome. Free-floating echogenic rice bodies were identified in the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa during ultrasound examination, which was also confirmed with Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and serological tests of the specimen after surgery.ConclusionThe unique sonographic presentation of rice bodies in the chronic subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis makes it easy to be diagnosed confidently, but it is difficult to be recognized, due to its rare occurrence.

Internal Derangement of the Shoulder Joint in Asymptomatic Professional Baseball Players

To evaluate the influence of throwing activity on shoulder morphology and the difference in shoulder morphology on MRI between asymptomatic professional baseball players and volunteers who play baseball as a recreational activity. This retrospective case-control study included 68 asymptomatic professional baseball players (32 pitchers, 36 batters) and 30 male volunteers. Morphologic changes in the following shoulder structures were assessed on MRI: rotator cuff, glenoid labrum, humeral head, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, subcoracoid bursa, long head of the biceps tendon, deltoid muscle, acromion, and clavicle. Partially torn supraspinatus, posterior glenoid or labral lesions, bone marrow edema, intraosseous cysts of the humeral head, and edematous subacromial-subdeltoid bursa were significantly more commonly observed in players (p = 0.01, p < 0.001, p = 0.03, p< 0.001, and p < 0.001). Players with more than 10 years of experience had a significantly higher incidence of patchy intermediate signal abnormality (odds ratio: 3.73, p = 0.03), partial tear in the supraspinatus tendon (odds ratio: 6.20, p = 0.03), and edematous change in the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa (odds ratio: 2.96, p = 0.03). The results from our study showed that repetitive throwing activities cause macroscopic structural lesions of the shoulder joints in asymptomatic baseball players. Significance of these lesions is to be determined.

Ultrasound-guided interventions for painful shoulder: from anatomy to evidence.

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder of variable etiology, ranging from rotator cuff pathology to peripheral nerve entrapment. Advances in ultrasound (US) technology have allowed static and dynamic evaluation of shoulder problems and most importantly, offer real-time, radiation-free guidance for interventions. The present review aims to describe shoulder anatomy in detail using information from cadaveric models and to illustrate US-guided techniques using clearly labeled figures and videos. The review will also present evidence of specific US-guided therapies for shoulder pain by summarizing landmark studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The following shoulder structures will be covered: 1) the biceps long head tendon, 2) the acromioclavicular joint, 3) the subacromial–subdeltoid bursa, 4) the glenohumeral joint, 5) the suprascapular nerve, and 6) the axillary nerve.

Ultrasound-guided subacromial–subdeltoid bursa corticosteroid injections: a study of short- and long-term outcomes

To assess shoulder pain and disability in patients undergoing corticosteroid injection into the subacromial-subdeltoid (SA-SD) bursa under ultrasound guidance, evaluating both short and long-term outcomes. In this prospective, longitudinal, analytical study 376 patients referred for SA-SD bursa injection during a 6 month period were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing shoulder pain and disability in the form of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Patients were reassessed at 6 weeks and 12 months post-injection. Data were collated and analysed based on the diagnosis made at ultrasound. Almost two-thirds (63.6%) of patients irrespective of the underlying diagnosis showed improvement in pain and disability 6 weeks after injection, but this figure decreased significantly after 12 months to 27.3%. There was no significant difference in outcome between patients with a rotator cuff tendon tear and without a tear at 6 weeks; however, there was a difference between these two groups at 12 months with significantly fewer patients with a tear receiving benefit. The pattern of good short-term, but poorer long-term outcomes from SA-SD bursa injection is in line with previous studies; however, this study provides additional information on the effect of the underlying diagnosis on the potential outcome, specifically the presence or absence of a rotator cuff tendon tear.

Regional sonology of the upper limb - I: Shoulder

Knowledge of the anatomy of the shoulder and its periarticular soft tissues and scanning techniques are essential for successful ultrasound (US) examination of the shoulder. Inflammatory conditions or overuse injuries affecting the periarticular structures are the most common causes of nontraumatic shoulder pain. Dynamic imaging with US is an added advantage and scores over similar cross-sectional imaging modalities. In a routine US examination of the shoulder joint, the extraarticular segment of the long head of biceps, rotator-cuff tendons and their muscle bellies, rotator interval, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, posterior joint recess, and the acromioclavicular joint are assessed systematically.

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: from diagnosis to treatment.

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) is a very common condition caused by the presence of calcific deposits in the rotator cuff (RC) or in the subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursa when calcification spreads around the tendons. The pathogenetic mechanism of RCCT is still unclear. It seems to be related to cell-mediated disease in which metaplastic transformation of tenocytes into chondrocytes induces calcification inside the tendon of the RC. RCCT is a frequent finding in the RC that may cause significant shoulder pain and disability. It can be easily diagnosed with imaging studies as conventional radiography (CR) or ultrasound (US). Conservative management of RCCT usually involves rest, physical therapy, and oral NSAIDs administration. Imaging-guided treatments are currently considered minimally-invasive, yet effective methods to treat RCCT with about 80% success rate. Surgery remains the most invasive treatment option in chronic cases that fail to improve with other less invasive approaches. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Comprehensive Shoulder US Examination: A Standardized Approach with Multimodality Correlation for Common Shoulder Disease.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions encountered in primary care and specialty orthopedic clinic settings. Although magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is typically the modality of choice for evaluating the soft-tissue structures of the shoulder, ultrasonography (US) is becoming an important complementary imaging tool in the evaluation of superficial soft-tissue structures such as the rotator cuff, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, and biceps tendon. The advantages of US driving its recent increased use include low cost, accessibility, and capability for real-time high-resolution imaging that enables dynamic assessment and needle guidance. As more radiologists are considering incorporating shoulder US into their practices, the development of a standardized approach to performing shoulder US should be a priority to facilitate the delivery of high-quality patient care. Familiarity with and comfort in performing a standardized shoulder US examination, as well as knowledge of the types of anomalies that can be evaluated well with US, will enhance the expertise of those working in musculoskeletal radiology practices and add value in the form of increased patient and health care provider satisfaction. This review describes the utility and benefits of shoulder US as a tool that complements MR imaging in the assessment of shoulder pain. A standardized approach to the shoulder US examination is also described, with a review of the basic technique of this examination, normal anatomy of the shoulder, common indications for shoulder US, and characteristic US findings of common shoulder diseases-with select MR imaging and arthroscopic correlation. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2016.

Ultrasound Dimensions of the Rotator Cuff and Other Associated Structures in Korean Healthy Adults.

In evaluating patients complaining of shoulder pain, ultrasonography is an emerging imaging tool due to convenience, low cost, high sensitivity and specificity. However, normative values of ultrasound dimensions of the shoulder to be compared with pathologic findings in Korean adults are not provided yet. We evaluated the ultrasound dimensions of the rotator cuff, long head of biceps tendon, deltoid muscle and acromioclavicular joint in Korean healthy adults. Shoulder ultrasonography was performed on 200 shoulders from 100 healthy adults. The dimensions of the thickness of rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis tendon), deltoid muscle, long head of biceps tendon, subacromial subdeltoid bursa, and acromioclavicular joint interval were measured in a standardized manner. Differences in measurements among sex, age, and dominant arms were compared.The thickness of rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis) and deltoid muscle were significantly different between men and women. The thickness of subacromial subdeltoid bursa was significantly different between men and women for non-dominant side. In rotator cuff tendon measurements, the differences between dominant and non-dominant shoulders were not significant, which means the asymptomatic contralateral shoulder can be used to estimate the normal reference values. When stratified by age divided by 10 years, the measurements of supraspinatus, subscapularis and deltoid thickness showed tendency of increase with the age. The acromioclavicular joint interval, on the other hand, revealed decreasing tendency. This report suggests normative values of ultrasound dimensions of healthy Korean population with varying age, and can be useful as reference values in evaluating shoulder pathology, especially in rotator cuff tendon pathology.

English

English

Treatment of rotator cuff intrasubstance tears with autologous blood injections; a novel treatment using ultrasound guidance

Purpose Assessment of sonographic guided autologous blood injections (ABI) as an effective minimally invasive treatment for rotator cuff interstitial delamination tears which are problematic to treat and difficult to diagnose by arthroscopy. Methods and materials Forty-two patients with clinical suspicion of rotator cuff tear underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Confirmed cases of supraspinatus longitudinal split tear were prospectively enrolled in the study and had ultrasound (US) assessment to characterise echotexture, interstitial tearing and neovascularity. Individuals randomised into two groups; first group (21 patients, age 18–45) received standard treatment with 3 millilitres (ml) Bupivacaine and 40 milligrams (mg) triamcinolone into the subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursa. The second group (21 patients, age 19–50) received standard therapy and ABI into the site of fibrillar discontinuity. We performed two injections and sonographically monitored any tendon changes. Pain scores and functional improvement assessed with Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Results Pre-procedural, ten days, six weeks, three, 12 and 18 month post-procedure OSS were compared. Changes in echogenicity, neovascularity and interstitial tear size noted. Patients in the ABI group showed statistical and clinical long-term pain relief and functional improvement as assessed by the overall OSS. Conclusion ABI appears to be a viable alternative and more clinically effective when compared to standard steroid injection therapy for rotator cuff delamination tearing. Assessment of sonographic guided autologous blood injections (ABI) as an effective minimally invasive treatment for rotator cuff interstitial delamination tears which are problematic to treat and difficult to diagnose by arthroscopy. Forty-two patients with clinical suspicion of rotator cuff tear underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Confirmed cases of supraspinatus longitudinal split tear were prospectively enrolled in the study and had ultrasound (US) assessment to characterise echotexture, interstitial tearing and neovascularity. Individuals randomised into two groups; first group (21 patients, age 18–45) received standard treatment with 3 millilitres (ml) Bupivacaine and 40 milligrams (mg) triamcinolone into the subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursa. The second group (21 patients, age 19–50) received standard therapy and ABI into the site of fibrillar discontinuity. We performed two injections and sonographically monitored any tendon changes. Pain scores and functional improvement assessed with Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Pre-procedural, ten days, six weeks, three, 12 and 18 month post-procedure OSS were compared. Changes in echogenicity, neovascularity and interstitial tear size noted. Patients in the ABI group showed statistical and clinical long-term pain relief and functional improvement as assessed by the overall OSS. ABI appears to be a viable alternative and more clinically effective when compared to standard steroid injection therapy for rotator cuff delamination tearing.

Migration of calcium deposits into subacromial-subdeltoid bursa and into humeral head as a rare complication of calcifying tendinitis: sonography and imaging.

Calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder is a common condition characterized by the deposition of calcium, predominantly hydroxyapatite crystals, in the rotator cuff. A rare complication of this condition is the migration of calcium deposits from tendons, usually the supraspinatus, into the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa or into the humeral greater tuberosity. These complications are responsible for intense acute shoulder pain and functional disability. Patient anamnesis and clinical symptoms must be considered to make the diagnosis, but imaging, particularly sonography, is often necessary, showing a typical presentation related to the locations of calcium deposits. We present sonographic and other imaging features of subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis and humeral osteitis related to the migration of calcium.

Prevalence of subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis in shoulder pain: an ultrasonographic study.

The presence of the subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursa inflammation has recently been proposed as a primary radiologic factor predicting persistent limitation and pain in operated patients. The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that pain, or increased shoulder pain, could be associated with SASD bursitis not only in operated patients but also in general population. A consecutive series of 1940 shoulder ultrasound examinations were performed by our Department over a 5-year period using linear multi-frequency probes. All reports of examination executed for shoulder pain were reviewed. The video clips were independently reviewed by two radiologists: effusion in the SASD bursa and the presence of other pathological conditions were evaluated and confirmed. A total of 1147 shoulder video clips were re-evaluated, and 1587 pathologies were detected; 65.5% of patients had only one pathology, 30.4% had two and 4.1% presented three pathologies. The difference between the group with and without effusion is statistically significant for acromioclavicular joint arthritis, supraspinatus tendon calcific tendinopathy, full-thickness and superficial tear of the supraspinatus, traumas and rheumatoid arthritis with a p value <0.01. Our study shows that the effusion in the SASD bursa is frequently associated with shoulder pain often independently from the underlying pathology; further studies are needed to confirm the statistical significance of this relationship by clarifying possible confounding factors.

The shoulder.

The shoulder.

MRI findings of the shoulder and hip joint in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the shoulder and hip joint in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).Methods. MR images of a total of 25 PMR patients (23 shoulders and 6 hips), 43 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (22 shoulders and 22 hips), and 50 control patients (25 shoulders and 25 hips) were examined. The following MRI findings were evaluated: In the shoulder, thickness and abnormalities of the supraspinatus tendon, effusion around the glenohumeral joint, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, and the biceps tendon; In the hip, effusion around the acetabulofemoral joint, iliopsoas bursa, and trochanteric bursa. Periarticular soft-tissue edema and bone findings were also analyzed.Results. The supraspinatus tendon was significantly thicker in PMR patients than in RA patients and control patients (p < 0.05). Severe rotator cuff tendinopathy was frequently observed in PMR patients (p = 0.002). The scores for the amount of effusions (joint, bursa, and tendon sheath in the shoulder and bursa in the hip) were much higher in PMR patients (p < 0.05). Periarticular soft tissue edema was detected more frequently in PMR patients than in RA patients and control patients (p < 0.05).Conclusions. Thick supraspinatus tendon, severe rotator cuff tendinopathy, effusion around the joints, and periarticular soft tissue edema can be good indicators for the diagnosis of PMR.

Do subacromial ultrasonography findings predict efficacy of intra-bursal injection? Prospective study in 39 patients

BackgroundUltrasonography has become an investigation of choice in the management of shoulder pain. The objective of this study was to determine whether the efficacy of subacromial-subdeltoid bursa injection correlated with the ultrasound findings. Material and methodsWe prospectively recruited patients who were seen between November 2012 and November 2013 for subacromial pain and whose rotator cuff was either intact or showed a full-thickness tear less than 1cm in length. A standardised physical examination of the shoulder was followed immediately by static and dynamic ultrasonography, intra-bursal injection of lidocaine, and a repetition of the same physical examination. Recorded ultrasonography features were the appearance of the bursa, shape of the coraco-acromial ligament, and bursal deformation induced by passage under the coraco-acromial ligament during dynamic imaging. A response to the injection was defined as greater than 75% improvements in at least three of the physical examination parameters. ResultsWe included 39 patients with a mean age of 56.7years. Ultrasonography showed abnormalities of the bursa in 30 patients, including 1 with an intra-bursal effusion, 10 with thickening, and 19 with both. Deformation of the bursa under the coraco-acromial ligament was noted in 26 patients. The proportions of patients with bursal effusion and with bursal thickening were similar in the 20 responders and 19 non-responders. Neither were any significant differences found for coraco-acromial ligament shape or bursal deformation under the ligament. ConclusionsNo correlation was found between ultrasonography findings and the efficacy of a local anaesthetic injection into the subacromial bursa. These findings suggest that ultrasound abnormalities may constitute mere physiological changes, in keeping with earlier studies in asymptomatic individuals. Thus, subacromial impingement may be currently overdiagnosed.

Usefulness of Rehabilitation in Patients with Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy after Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Treatment

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a specific rehabilitation program for patients in whom ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment (UGPT) was performed for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT). Subjects and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 86 patients (22 males and 64 females) with shoulder calcific tendinopathy treated with UGPT were enrolled. At the end of the procedure, a corticosteroid injection into the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa was performed. The patients were then asked to follow a specific rehabilitation protocol (2 times/week for 5 weeks) that focused on mobility, strength and function. At baseline and after 6 weeks, clinical parameters, visual analog scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley scale (CMS) scores and ultrasound (US) features were collected. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.9 ± 8.4 years and their mean BMI was 22.7 ± 2.1. Considering the whole cohort, the treatment was effective, with a significant decrease in the VAS score and an improvement in the CMS score. Thereafter, on the basis of the compliance to the rehabilitation program (by self-report), 53 and 33 patients were included in the rehabilitation group (Rehab group; performed exercises ≥2 times/week) and the No Rehab group (performed exercises <2 times/week), respectively. The comparison between the groups showed that the subjects who performed the exercises regularly had better results in terms of pain and functional recovery, and less associated diseases (e.g. adhesive bursitis and tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps) than those who were less compliant with the program. Conclusions: UGPT, followed by a specific postprocedure rehabilitation program, was an effective treatment for RCCT.

SAT0166 Ultrasonographic Assessment of Newly Developed Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparison with Younger-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis

BackgroundThe number of elderly patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is expected to rise in the coming years. The clinical presentation of elderly–onset RA (EORA) patients frequently differs from that...