Clinical features and ultrasound images of supraspinatus tendonitis at Thai Binh Medical University Hospital

Objective: To describe the clinical features and ultrasound images of supraspinatus tendonitis at Thai Binh Medical University Hospital. Study subjects and methods: Study subjects: The study involved patients who had examinations at Thai Binh Medical University Hospital and were diagnosed with supraspinatus tendonitis based on symptoms such as shoulder pain during abduction, pain upon palpation of inferior and lateral point of the acromial, a positive Jobe’s test. In addition, ultrasound can show increased tendon thickness, hypoechoic tendons, discontinuity of tendon fibers, and tendon calcification. Study design: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Shoulder function was evaluated using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). OSS is a questionnaire consisting of 12 questions, each scored from 1 to 5, with a total score ranging from 12 (best) to 60 (worst). Results: Among 34 patients with 35 shoulders diagnosed with supraspinatus tendonitis, we found that supraspinatus tendonitis was most common in individuals aged 45 and older (97.1%). Females were more affected than males (females 64.7%). The right shoulder (dominant side) was more commonly affected (70.6%). The average shoulder abduction angle was 143.4 degrees. Functional limitations of the shoulder were observed, with an average OSS score of 46.7. Regarding ultrasound findings, hypoechoic tendons were observed in 68.6%, increased tendon thickness in 28.6%, tendon discontinuity and calcification were rare. The average tendon thickness was 7.8mm. Conclusion: Supraspinatus tendonitis is commonly found in individuals over 45 years old, with a higher prevalence in females than males. The disease tends to affect the dominant shoulder more, with an average shoulder abduction angle of 143.4 degrees and an average OSS functional activity score of 46.7. On ultrasound imaging, supraspinatus tendinitis mainly presents as hypoechoic changes and tendon thickening. The average thickness of the supraspinatus tendon is 7.8 mm.