Ann Rehabil Med.  2011 Oct;35(5):719-724. 10.5535/arm.2011.35.5.719.

The Shoulder Gradient in Patients with Unilateral Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

• Kim HS
• Lee JH
• Yun DH
• Yun JS
• Shin YW
• Chon J
• Hwang DG

• KMID: 2267235
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2011.35.5.719

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between the shoulder gradient and acromiohumeral interval of both shoulders in patients with unilateral shoulder impingement syndrome. METHOD: Using the angulometer, we measured the shoulder gradient in patients with unilateral shoulder impingement syndrome in a standing position. Using the radiography, we measured the acromiohumeral interval and the angle between a vertical line and a line connecting a superior angle with an inferior angle of the scapula.
RESULTS
In patients with unilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, the frequency of shoulder impingement syndrome was 76.2% (16 of 21) on the side of the relatively lower shoulder. The mean acromiohumeral interval on the side of the lower shoulder was 10.03+/-1.28 mm, compared with 10.46+/-1.50 mm for the higher shoulder. The angle between a vertical line and a line connecting a superior angle with an inferior angle of the scapular of the side of the lower shoulder was -0.31+/-3.73 degrees, compared with 3.85+/-4.42 degrees for the higher shoulder.
CONCLUSION
The frequency of shoulder impingement syndrome was significantly higher on the side of the relatively lower shoulder, and there is no significant difference in the acromiohumeral interval between the side of the lower shoulder and that of the higher shoulder. In patients with unilateral shoulder impingement syndrome, the scapular on the side of lower shoulder was more rotated downward than on the side of the higher shoulder.

Keyword

Shoulder impingement syndrome; Shoulder gradient; Acromiohumeral interval

MeSH Terms

Humans
Shoulder
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Patient stood on the scaled podoscopesith ankles in neutral positionand knees are full extended (A). Shoulder gradoent was measured byangulmeter with each side of blade on patient's most lateral part of acromion (B).

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  Fig. 2 This AP radiograph shows the acromiohumeral interval, which was measured as the shortest distance from the inferior surface of the acromion to the superior aspect of the humerus.

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  Fig. 3 This AP radiograph shows upward and downward rotation of scapula, which was measured as the angle between the vertical line and the line connecting a superior angle with an inferior angle of the scapula. Upward rotation of scapula (A), downward rotation of scapula (B).

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