SAT0195 Sonographic and clinical evaluation of the involvement of acromioclavicular joint in patients with shoulder pain

Background The involvement of acromioclavicular joint (ACL) can be one of the causes of shoulder pain. Sonography studies carefully ACL and easily detects alterations of that joint.1 In particular ultrasonographic analysis makes it possible to reveal the presence of effusion and to show irregularities of the joint margins. By performing an adduction stress test clinical examination can reveal the presence of pain at the ACL.2 Objectives The aim of the present study was to examine sonographically the involvement of ACL in patients with painful shoulder and to compare the results with those obtained by clinical examination of ACL (adduction stress test). Methods 425 patients with shoulder pain were studied. They were 282 female and 143 male; their mean age was 57.9 years (range 18–90). In 103 cases bilateral involvement was present; for this reason 528 shoulders were studied totally. Moreover both the shoulders of 198 healthy control subjects were examined. They were 109 female and 89 male and their mean age was 56.3 years (range 19–69). Sonography of ACL was performed using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. In all cases ACL was examined by longitudinal scanning of the joint, with the shoulder in neutral position. Effusion was revealed when the capsule stood convex to the articular space with simultaneous appearance of hypoechoic area within the joint.1 Irregularities of the joint margins were considered present when the bone surface of the clavicle and of acromion appeared discontinuous. An adduction stress test was performed holding the arm with the elbow and shoulder extended and then passively adducting across behind the back.2 Differences were analysed by Chi Square test. Results Sonography of ACL showed involvement of that joint in 270 cases (51.1%; p In healthy control subjects effusion was present in only 2 cases (0.5%), irregularities were found in 9 shoulders (1.7%). The adduction stress test was positive in 43 joints (8.1%; p Conclusion Sonographic study appeared to be more sensitive than clinical examination. Moreover ultrasonographic technique made it possible to identify the type of alteration showing whether it was due to the presence of inflammation (effusion) or to degenerative process (irregularities) within the joint. Sonographic demonstration of alterations of ACL in a great percentage of cases of shoulder pain evidences the importance of this joint in the shoulder girdle pathology.