Characteristics of post-traumatic shoulder stiffness on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging: preliminary case reports

Abstract Background Post-traumatic shoulder stiffness is not a rare condition. However, no study has been performed to investigate the dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of post-traumatic shoulder stiffness. Therefore, the current preliminary study was performed to investigate the dynamic MRI findings in patients with post-traumatic shoulder stiffness. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with post-traumatic shoulder stiffness. The patients’ baseline characteristics, range of active shoulder motion, shoulder pain, and location of abnormal enhancement on dynamic MRI were assessed. Results Five patients (two men, three women) with post-traumatic shoulder stiffness were included in this study. Their mean age was 58.6 ± 6.3 years (range, 49–68 years). All patients had abnormal enhancement in the rotator interval and axillary pouch. Conclusions This study presents the first case reports of the dynamic MRI findings of post-traumatic shoulder stiffness. All patients had abnormal enhancement at the rotator interval and axillary pouch.