Article

The aim of this work was to evaluate the real-time sonoelastography
(RTSE) in the assessment of the supraspinatus tendon in patients with subacromial
impingement syndrome (SIS). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with unilateral
shoulder pain that was diagnosed as SIS according to magnetic resonance imaging
findings were included in the study. Healthy shoulders of the patients comprised
the control group. Bilateral shoulder RTSE examinations were performed by a
radiologist who was blinded to the involved side of the participants. The RTSE
images were recorded and assessed by 2 radiologists individually 1 month later.
American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery shoulder index, Quick Disabilities of Arm
Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, and Constant scores were applied to evaluate the
disability and functional status. The correlation between strain ratio and
functional scores were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 25 participants, 9 (36%)
were men and 16 (64%) were women. The RTSE findings were pathologic in tendons of
23 patients (92%) with SIS. The strain ratio was significantly higher in the
affected shoulders (P < 0.001). The interobserver agreement was good for image
analysis. There was no significant correlation between strain ratio and
functional scores. CONCLUSION: Structural changes in the supraspinatus tendon can
be demonstrated with RTSE in patients with SIS.

Langue : ANGLAIS