Sonoelastography of the Supraspinatus Tendon

Responsiveness of Sonoelastography in the Supraspinatus Tendon

This study aims a determine the responsiveness of sonoelastography in the tendinopathy-affected supraspinatus tendon.

The trial will include 20 patients diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinopathy from one orthopaedic shoulder clinic in Denmark.

The intervention will consist of an exercise program including lowload exercises with elastics and dumbbells, targeting the rotator cuff in a 12 weeks home-exercise program with two control visits at a physiotherapy department at the hospitals.

Tissue elasticity (measured by sonoelastography) is used as the primary outcome and is measured 12 weeks post baseline

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to read and understand Danish
• Shoulder pain > 3 months
• Positive on 3/5 clinical tests (full can, empty can, resisted external rotation, neers, hawking)
• Tendinopathy (MRI)

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI > 30
• Bilateral shoulder pain
• Supraspinatus full thickness rupture (US)
• Biceps rupture (US)
• Calcification in supraspinatus (X-ray)
• Pregnancy
• Glenohumeral arthrosis (X-ray)
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder symptoms originating from neck
• Shoulder fracture, operation or luxation
• Known neuromuscular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, spondylarthropathy or psychiatric disorders
• Labrum lesion (MRI)
• Tear (˃1/3 of supraspinatus, vertical height) (MRI)