RecruitingACTRN12623001285640

Ultrasound measurement of stable and unstable shoulders

Differences in humeral head position and translation between stable and unstable shoulders: an ultrasound study

Sponsor

La Trobe University

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Dec 19, 2022

Study Type

Observational

Conditions

Shoulder instability

Summary

This is the first component of a masters project that is investigating humeral head position and translation in unstable shoulders. In this observational study, we aim to measure the differences in humeral head position and/or translation between unstable and stable shoulders. We hypothesise that there will be detectable differences between stable and unstable shoulders as measured by ultrasound. This may then inform treatment strategies that aim to address the pathological humeral head position / translation.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 35 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria7

UNSTABLE SHOULDERS:
Symptomatic subluxation or dislocation inferiorly +/- anterior or posterior direction
Positive sulcus test
Improvement in range of motion in abduction by >20 degrees, OR improvement of pain or guarding in abduction, OR improvement in strength on an isometric test
STABLE SHOULDERS
Symptom-free shoulder
Negative sulcus test

Exclusion Criteria8

UNSTABLE / STABLE SHOULDERS:
History of significant trauma to the shoulder
History of surgery on the affected shoulder
Unable to understand or follow instructions in English
Known neurological pathology creating motor deficit
Known upper or lower motor neurone disease
Known connective tissue disorder (Ehlers Danlos / Marfan syndrome)
Presence of cervical radiculopathy

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Interventions

Cross-sectional observation trial comparing the ultrasound measurement of humeral head position / translation of unstable and stable shoulders. The participant will be standing with the shoulder ex

Cross-sectional observation trial comparing the ultrasound measurement of humeral head position / translation of unstable and stable shoulders. The participant will be standing with the shoulder exposed. The ultrasound transucer will be placed on the shoulder while participants hold 2kg in the hand, lift their arm up 60 degrees to the side, push out to the side against a 2kg cable weight, and rotate their arm to the side. They will be required to raise and lower their arm between repeat measures to briefly assess assessor reliability. This process will take up to 20 minutes. Ultrasound measures will be completed by a physiotherapist (DV). No exercise/warm-up will be required prior or during the ultrasound assessment.