Validation of Ultrasound Measurement of the Subacromial Space Using a Novel Shoulder Phantom Model

Abstract

Ultrasound has a high degree of diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of rotator cuff tendons. Increasingly, ultrasound is being used to measure other parameters of rotator cuff pathology, including the size of the subacromial space, or acromiohumeral distance (AHD). Although this measure has been found to be clinically reliable, no assessment of its validity has been carried out. This technical study reports on the development of a novel ultrasound phantom of the shoulder and its use in validation of ultrasound measurement of AHD. There was a close agreement between AHD measures using ultrasound and the true subacromial space of the phantom model, providing support for the construct validity of this measurement. The phantom model has good potential for further development as a training tool for shoulder ultrasound and guided injections.

Ultrasound measures of supraspinatus tendon thickness and acromiohumeral distance in rotator cuff tendinopathy are reliable

“…The AHD was recorded as the shortest distance between the inferolateral edge of the anterior acromion and the humeral head, along a line parallel to the acoustic shadow cast by the acromion (Figure ). The validity of this measurement protocol has been confirmed through the use of a shoulder phantom …”

“…The validity of this measurement protocol has been confirmed through the use of a shoulder phantom. 27 The SsT was examined in the transverse plane. The transducer was placed on the acromion and moved laterally to visualize the SsT.…”

In-vivo measurements of force and humeral movement during inferior glenohumeral mobilizations

“…Tools are available, however, that provide an opportunity to objectively and concurrently measure humeral displacement and force during the clinical application of inferior mobilization. Ultrasound imaging (USI) is being employed more frequently in the rehabilitation setting to visualize the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system and has been found to be a reliable and valid measurement of inferior glenohumeral translation (Cheng et al, 2008, McCreesh et al, 2014, McCreesh et al, 2015. By combining the USI with hand-held dynamometry, an established method to assess force, the parameters of inferior glenohumeral mobilizations can be objectively measured.…”

Cryotherapy or gradual reloading exercises in acute presentations of rotator cuff tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial

“…Ultrasound imaging was performed using Logiq E9 (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) ultrasound scanner with a 7.5–12-MHz linear array probe. AHD (measured at 0°, 45° and 60° shoulder abduction) was measured using a standardised procedure, which has been previously demonstrated to be valid29 and reliable 30. The US measurement of AHD is defined as the tangential distance between the hyperechoic bony landmarks of the humeral head and the inferior edge of the acromion visible on the longitudinal sonogram.…”