Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Frozen shoulder: an arthrographic and radionuclear scan assessment
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|June 1, 1984
Summary
Diagnostic confusion surrounds painful stiff shoulders. Arthrography and technetium scans for frozen shoulder lack prognostic value, failing to predict recovery or aid assessment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- The diagnosis and terminology for painful stiff shoulders, commonly known as frozen shoulder, are inconsistent.
- Arthrographic findings of capsulitis and increased technetium uptake are often associated with frozen shoulder and considered prognostically significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of arthrography and technetium diphosphonate scanning in patients with a clinically defined frozen shoulder.
Main Methods:
- A therapeutic study involving patients with strictly defined clinical frozen shoulder.
- Assessment included arthrography and technetium diphosphonate uptake measurements.
- Correlation between imaging findings and clinical recovery was analyzed.
Main Results:
- 35 of 38 patients exhibited increased technetium uptake.
- Arthrography revealed capsulitis in 15, rotator cuff rupture in 11, and no abnormality in 5 patients.
- No association was found between technetium uptake and arthrographic findings.
- Neither imaging modality predicted the rate or extent of patient recovery.
- Traumatic and spontaneous frozen shoulder presentations showed similar outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Arthrography and technetium diphosphonate scanning at presentation do not aid in assessing painful stiff shoulders.
- These imaging techniques lack prognostic value for frozen shoulder recovery.
- Clinical assessment remains primary for painful stiff shoulder evaluation.
