Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in adhesive capsulitis of shoulder joint

Introduction: Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is an inflammatory process that causes progressive capsular retraction of the shoulder joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)is currently considered as the modality of choice for imaging shoulder disorders, but for high cost and limited availability. Ultrasound is a potential investigating modality to diagnose the condition. Methodology: A single centre observational study was conducted on 180 subjects from the out-patient department of the orthopedic department, KMCT medical college hospital, Kozhikode, with shoulder pain who were referred to the radiology department for MRI examination. Ultrasound findings in these subjects were compared with those of MRI. Conclusion: This study concludes that ultrasound is a reliable modality for diagnosing adhesive capsulitis of shoulder joints with a reasonable degree of sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive valurand positive predictive value. A high rate of visualization of coracohumeral ligament further reiterates the reliability of this parameter for diagnosing adhesive capsulitis