S Rupp1, R Seil, D Kohn. 1. Orthopädische Universitäts- und Poliklinik Homburg/Saar.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the sonographic sign of a hypoechoic area ("halo-sign") around the long biceps tendon as an equivalent of intraarticular effusion. METHODS: Part 1: Ten patients scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy underwent ultrasonography immediately before surgery. If there was no hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon 30 ml of NaCl-solution (0.9%) were injected into the joint. After repetitive passive motion the patient underwent a second ultrasonography. Part 2: Ten consecutive patients with a hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon underwent shoulder arthroscopy. During this procedure they were examined for intraarticular effusion. Patients with rheumatoid disease were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Part 1: In 9 of 10 patients a hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon was induced by injection into the joint. The area was 1.07 +/- 0.13 cm2. In one case we could not induce the described phenomenon. Part 2: In all patients with a hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon an intraarticular effusion was found at arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: A hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon correlates with fluid in the synovial sheet and indicates effusion within the glenohumeral joint.
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the sonographic sign of a hypoechoic area ("halo-sign") around the long biceps tendon as an equivalent of intraarticular effusion. METHODS: Part 1: Ten patients scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy underwent ultrasonography immediately before surgery. If there was no hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon 30 ml of NaCl-solution (0.9%) were injected into the joint. After repetitive passive motion the patient underwent a second ultrasonography. Part 2: Ten consecutive patients with a hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon underwent shoulder arthroscopy. During this procedure they were examined for intraarticular effusion. Patients with rheumatoid disease were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Part 1: In 9 of 10 patients a hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon was induced by injection into the joint. The area was 1.07 +/- 0.13 cm2. In one case we could not induce the described phenomenon. Part 2: In all patients with a hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon an intraarticular effusion was found at arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: A hypoechoic area around the long biceps tendon correlates with fluid in the synovial sheet and indicates effusion within the glenohumeral joint.