Stroke Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: Ultrasound Findings and VAS (Cross-Sectional)

The Relationship Between Shoulder Ultrasound Findings and Pain Levels in Acute/Subacute Stroke Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hemiplegic shoulder pain is a frequent complication after stroke and may be associated with structural abnormalities detectable by musculoskeletal ultrasound. This prospective cross-sectional observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between shoulder ultrasound abnormality score and pain severity in patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain. Pain severity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for rest, movement, and night pain. Shoulder ultrasound will be performed using a standardized scoring system to quantify structural abnormalities. The primary objective is to investigate whether ultrasound abnormality burden is associated with pain severity in different clinical conditions (rest, exercise, and night).

Hemiplegic shoulder pain is a common complication after stroke and may negatively affect rehabilitation outcomes. Structural abnormalities such as rotator cuff pathology, biceps tendon disorders, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, and glenohumeral subluxation can be evaluated using musculoskeletal ultrasound.

This prospective cross-sectional observational study aims to investigate the relationship between shoulder ultrasound abnormality score and pain severity in patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain. Adult stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain will be evaluated at admission.

Pain severity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) separately for rest, movement, and night pain. Shoulder ultrasound will be performed using a standardized protocol, and a total ultrasound abnormality score will be calculated.

The primary objective is to evaluate the association between ultrasound abnormality score and pain severity. Secondary analyses will assess the relationship between specific ultrasound findings and pain severity.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being between 18-75 years of age
2. Patients with a history of stroke within the last 2 weeks to 6 months
3. Patients with shoulder pain on the hemiplegic side
4. Mini-mental status test score >25

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Motor aphasic patient group
2. Patients with a history of previous surgery on the hemiplegic shoulder for any reason
3. Those with other diseases that can explain the shoulder pain
4. Those with neurodegenerative diseases that cause impairment in cognitive functions, such as dementia