Dynamic ultrasound in the diagnosis of antero-superior impingement of the shoulder: A literature review

Abstract

The antero-superior impingement syndrome of the shoulder (ASSIS) is a relatively common cause of shoulder pain. The current understanding of its causes, its natural progression, and its diagnosis by physical examination and by complementary tests are described. A systematic literature search regarding the contribution of ultrasound diagnosis was carried out.

Method

MEDLINE search for ASSIS diagnosis with focus on reliability and validity of dynamic ultrasound studies.

Result

Eight relevant studies were found, all with significant limitations of quality regarding the most-used techniques, the ultrasound abduction impingement test and the ultrasound Hawkins–Kennedy test.

Conclusion

Further studies on the reliability and validity of dynamic ultrasound test for ASSIS are required.

Keywords:

• Shoulder
• Impingement syndrome
• Dynamic ultrasound
• Diagnosis

Acknowledgements

This research was carried out as part of Dr Vincent's Master's degree in Medical Musculoskeletal Ultrasound at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, Bournemouth, UK. Dr Vincent wishes to thank Dr Budgie Hussain, D.Med Img., MSc, DMU and Prof. Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde, DC, MSc, PhD, supervisors, for their encouragement and guidance while preparing and writing this dissertation, and to thank the Institut Franco-Européen de Chiropratique (IFEC) for giving him the opportunity to undertake this Master degree, and to thank the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic for permission to publish this paper.