Validation of ultrasound measurement of the subacromial space using a novel shoulder phantom model

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.