Correlation between acromiohumeral distance and the severity of supraspinatus tendon tear by ultrasound imaging in a Chinese population

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to investigate the intrarater reliability of acromiohumeral distance measurement; (ii) to assess the level of association between acromiohumeral distance measured by ultrasonography, and the degree of supraspinatus tendon tear, in patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain. Methods:A cross-sectional, case-control study was carried out. A convenience sample comprising 59 patients with a unilateral supraspinatus tendon tear was assessed. Both shoulders of each patient were scanned by ultrasound, with the contralateral asymptomatic shoulders serving as the control group for comparison. Acromiohumeral distances of each shoulder were measured and analysed. Results: Intrarater reliability was excellent for the ultrasound method of acromiohumeral distance measurement. The acromiohumeral distance of shoulders with full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear was significantly smaller than that of joints with partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear and an intact supraspinatus tendon. There was a significant positive correlation between reduced acromiohumeral distance and the severity of a supraspinatus tendon tear. Conclusions:Ultrasound is a reliable tool to measure acromiohumeral distance. A positive relationship was found between a narrowed acromiohumeral distance and the severity grading of a supraspinatus tendon tear. Reduced acromiohumeral distance can be considered a predictive parameter for a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear.Trial registration: The study was prospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-17013550. Date of registry: 26 November 2017.

Exercise therapy plus manual therapy improves acromiohumeral distance measured by real-time ultrasound in overhead athletes with shoulder impingement syndrome

“…SIS is a dysfunction where mechanical compression of the rotator cuff structures (muscles and bursa) occurs due to obliteration in the subacromial space [1,2]. SIS is characterised by a painful arc of motion during elevation and is the foremost cause of years with disability [3,4].…”

“…Of all reported shoulder injuries, SIS accounts for 27% of the injury burden in overhead athletes [3]. Acromiohumeral distance (AHD) is considered a good indicator of the subacromial space, and it is defined as the space between the superior humeral edge and the lateral most portion of the acromion [2]. In an anatomical position, a normal AHD measurement ranges from 8-13mm with limited physiologic decrease, even on shoulder elevation [5].…”

Shoulder pain and ultrasound findings: A comparison study of wheelchair athletes, nonathletic wheelchair users, and nonwheelchair users

“…One measurement that is commonly used in radiology to help indicate rotator cuff pathology is the acromiohumeral distance (AHD). Prior literature has shown that a narrower AHD is indicative of rotator cuff pathology and shoulder impingement symptoms in a cohort of nonwheelchair users 34,35 . Although AHD is not typically measured as part of a standard of care ultrasound examination, recent studies have shown that ultrasound can reliably measure this feature 34‐43 .…”

“…Prior literature has shown that a narrower AHD is indicative of rotator cuff pathology and shoulder impingement symptoms in a cohort of nonwheelchair users. 34,35 Although AHD is not typically measured as part of a standard of care ultrasound examination, recent studies have shown that ultrasound can reliably measure this feature. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43] Mean normal value of AHD has previously been established at 1.09 cm (SD: .42 cm).…”

“…34,35 Although AHD is not typically measured as part of a standard of care ultrasound examination, recent studies have shown that ultrasound can reliably measure this feature. [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43] Mean normal value of AHD has previously been established at 1.09 cm (SD: .42 cm). 44 To date, there have been no studies examining AHD in the wheelchair athlete population and very few studies examining the relationship between AHD measurements under ultrasound and shoulder pain or other physical exam findings.…”