Capsular retraction of shoulder: prospective study of imaging benefits in 20 patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the contribution of principal imaging techniques in di agnosis and treatment in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Materials and methods: In 20 patients presenting adhesive capsulitis of sho ulder since mean of 6,7 months, the following examinations were performed: radiographies, angioscintigraphy, MRI as well as an opaque arthrography and a bursography associated with corticosteroid injection. Patients were foll owed during one year. Results: The opaque arthrography was to affirm the adhesive capsulitis for the inclusion of the patients. Radiographies (patchy demineralization) and scintigraphy (hyperfixation) were often pathological. In MRI, T1 fat-satura ted sequences after contrast injection almost always showed enhancement of the articular capsula, the synovia, the miscellanous bone or the sub-acromi al bursa. The latter was often modified and retracted at bursography. In 19 of 20 cases, a functionnal improvement was observed after the opacificatio ns. Conclusion: Therapeutic effect of both arthrography and bursography is almo st proved. Post contrast MRI confirms presence of vascular troubles in all the shoulder structures even at this advanced stage.