Correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and clinical impairment in patients with adhesive capsulitis

To determine the relationship between clinical impairment and MRI findings in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Contrast-enhanced MRI of 97 patients with a clinical diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (AC) were retrospectively reviewed. Specific MRI criteria, including thickness and gadolinium enhancement of the joint capsule in the axillary recess and subcoracoid fat obliteration in the rotator interval, were correlated with limited range of motion (ROM) and pain. Other variables considered in this study were rotator cuff pathology, arm dominance, diabetes mellitus, age, and gender. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic and linear regression analysis. Thickening of the joint capsule in the axillary recess correlated with limited external rotation (p < 0.01), gender (p < 0.01) and arm dominance (p < 0.05). Gadolinium enhancement of the joint capsule in the axillary recess correlated with pain intensity (p < 0.05). Subcoracoid fat obliteration in the rotator interval was not correlated with limited ROM or pain. MRI can be a useful technique to assess several clinical impairment measures in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Thickening and gadolinium enhancement of the joint capsule in the axillary recess on MRI are associated with limited ROM and pain.