MR Imaging Biomarkers for Clinical Impairment and Disease Progression in Patients with Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: A Prospective Study
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Updated: Oct 20, 2025
Rat Model of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Published on: September 28, 2018
Romain Gillet1, François Zhu1, Pierre Padoin1
1Guilloz Imaging Department, Central Hospital, University Hospital Center of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France.
Background:
MRI diagnostic criteria of shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC) are nowadays widely used, but there is little information available on the association between MRI findings and clinical impairment.
Purpose:
To determine the correlation of MRI findings with the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), pain duration and symptoms at the one-year follow-up in AC patients.
Materials And Methods:
This monocentric prospective study included 132 patients with a clinical diagnosis of shoulder AC who underwent shoulder MRI. Mean patient age was 54.1 ± 9.3 years, and there were 55 men and 77 women. A radiologist examined all patients and completed the CMS just prior to MRI. Pain duration was assessed along with the signal intensity and measured the maximal thickness of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) by two radiologists. Medical record analysis was performed in a sub-group of 49 patients to assess prognosis approximately one year after the MRI examination. Linear regression analysis with the Pearson test and the Fisher exact test were used to determine the association between MRI findings and clinical impairment.
Results:
There was a significant difference in mean pain duration score (3.8 ± 1.2 versus 3.2 ± 0.9 and 3.8 ± 1.2 versus 3.2 ± 0.9, respectively, for readers 1 and 2) and in mean mobility scores (15.7 ± 8 points versus 19.6 ± 10.1 points and 15.8 ± 8.2 points versus 19.4 ± 10 points, respectively, for readers 1 and 2) in patients with a high IGHL signal compared to those with a low IGHL signal (p < 0.05). IGHL was thicker in patients with clinical improvement at one-year follow-up compared to those presenting clinical stability or worsening (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
In patients with shoulder AC, the degree of signal intensity at the IGHL was inversely related to shoulder pain duration and range of motion, and a thickened IGHL indicated a favorable outcome at one-year follow-up.
Insights
In shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC), MRI findings of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) correlate with clinical outcomes. A higher IGHL signal is linked to less pain and better mobility, while a thicker IGHL suggests a favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
Background:
- Shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC) diagnosis relies on MRI criteria, yet the link between MRI findings and clinical impairment is not well-established.
- Understanding this association can improve patient prognostication and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between specific MRI findings and clinical outcomes in patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis.
- To assess the relationship between MRI-detected inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) characteristics and the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), pain duration, and one-year follow-up symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 132 patients diagnosed with shoulder AC who underwent MRI.
- Radiologists assessed IGHL signal intensity and maximal thickness, correlating these with CMS, pain duration, and one-year prognosis via medical record analysis.
- Statistical analysis included linear regression and Fisher exact tests.
Main Results:
- Higher IGHL signal intensity was significantly associated with shorter pain duration and better mobility scores (p < 0.05).
- A thicker IGHL was observed in patients who showed clinical improvement at one-year follow-up compared to those with stable or worsening symptoms (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- MRI assessment of IGHL signal intensity and thickness provides valuable prognostic information in shoulder AC.
- Increased IGHL signal inversely correlates with pain duration and range of motion limitations.
- IGHL thickening predicts a favorable one-year clinical outcome in AC patients.
