The ultrasound examination is
for its simplicity and sensitivity the basic examination for a suspicion of
synovitis, or rather hydrops in the area of the glenohumeral articulation.
During the ultrasound examination in the axillary approach it is possible to
measure exactly the distance of the capsule from the head of the humerus. If the
found distance of the articular capsule from the head of the humerus is bigger
than 3,5 mm, it is probable that it deals
with synovitis and articular hydrops. A bigger distance of the articular capsule
from the head of the humerus (bigger than 3,5mm, which is seen at the healthy
joint) is caused by removing of the articular capsule by a liquid. A side
difference is important during a
suspicion of presence or absence of hydrops, when the distance of the articular
capsule from the head of the humerus is bigger by
1mm in a comparison with the other
side can give an evidence of hydrops.
Picture and scheme of a normal joint in axillary section, notice the
normal distance of the articular capsule from the head of the humerus, i.e. 2,2
mm.
picture and scheme of synovitis and hydrops in the
glenohumeral articulation, notice the pathological distance of the articular
capsule from the head of the humerus, i.e.
5,1mm
1Hydrops is mostly a symptom of synovitis of the
glenohumeral articulation even if it is not a rule. On the other hand,
originally also uninflammatory hydrops calls up the secondary synovitis.