Article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of using freehand
three-dimensional ultrasound to measure scapular rotations (internal/external,
upward/downward, anterior/posterior). The scapular position in 22 healthy,
nondisabled individuals was imaged three times in four testing positions of
interest (arm at rest and humeral elevation in the sagittal, frontal, and
scapular planes). We found substantial reliability across scanning positions and
scapular rotations, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.62 to 0.95. The highest reliability was found in the rest testing position. Our
standard error of measurement was less than 2 degrees for all measurements and
less than 0.5 degrees for most. Minimum detectable change ranged from 0.37 to
3.08 degrees. Our results agree with the pattern of movement found in other
studies, with the scapula moving toward a more externally rotated, upwardly
rotated, and posteriorly tilted position with humeral elevation. Further study is
warranted to compare our methods to a gold standard, apply them to evaluating
dynamic movement, and determine whether they can be used to detect shoulder pathology.

Langue : ANGLAIS