Frozen Shoulder on MRI & X-ray: Imaging Findings

MRI in adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) demonstrates characteristic thickening of the coracohumeral ligament and rotator interval capsule, reduced axillary pouch volume, and increased T2 signal within the subcoracoid fat triangle on coronal-oblique images. The inferior glenohumeral ligament and axillary recess show capsular thickening and enhancement on contrast-enhanced sequences. MR arthrogram typically reveals reduced joint capacity (normal 20–30 mL, reduced to 5–10 mL in frozen shoulder) with lack of contrast filling the axillary recess and subscapularis bursa. The primary value of MRI in frozen shoulder is to exclude structural pathology such as rotator cuff tears, glenohumeral arthritis, or an occult neoplasm that may mimic the clinical presentation.

A long-term study found normal or near-normal shoulders in 59% of patients and ongoing symptoms in 41%; most persistent symptoms were mild.

In the freezing phase, intra-articular corticosteroid injections provide the most effective short-term pain relief and accelerate recovery in the early disease course. NSAIDs and analgesics supplement injection therapy. Physical therapy in the acute painful phase must be gentle, as aggressive stretching exacerbates synovial inflammation. In the frozen phase, progressive stretching exercises targeting external rotation, elevation, and internal rotation are the mainstay of rehabilitation. Hydrodilatation — distension of the glenohumeral joint with saline, corticosteroid, and local anesthetic — accelerates recovery in the frozen phase. Manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release is reserved for patients with refractory stiffness beyond 12 months despite conservative measures, releasing the rotator interval and inferior capsule under direct visualization.