Dynamic ultrasound in the diagnosis of antero-superior impingement of the shoulder: A literature review

Abstract

Abstract The antero-superior impingement syndrome of the shoulder (ASSIS) is a relatively common cause of shoulder pain. The current understanding of its causes, its natural progression, and its diagnosis by physical examination and by complementary tests are described. A systematic literature search regarding the contribution of ultrasound diagnosis was carried out. Method MEDLINE search for ASSIS diagnosis with focus on reliability and validity of dynamic ultrasound studies. Result Eight relevant studies were found, all with significant limitations of quality regarding the most-used techniques, the ultrasound abduction impingement test and the ultrasound Hawkins–Kennedy test. Conclusion Further studies on the reliability and validity of dynamic ultrasound test for ASSIS are required.