Ultrasound Assessment of the Coracohumeral Ligament and Rotator Interval and Its Association with Physical Function in Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis: A Scoping Review Protocol
Year: 2026
Type: study-registration
Abstract: Objective The objective of this scoping review is to map the extent and characteristics of evidence regarding the relationship between ultrasonographic findings of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) and rotator interval in patients with adhesive capsulitis and measures of physical function. Introduction In adhesive capsulitis, fibrosis and thickening of the CHL and the rotator interval have been suggested as key pathological features. Ultrasonography can non-invasively evaluate these structures; however, the association between imaging findings and clinical symptoms or physical function has not been systematically synthesized. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria This review will include studies involving patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). The concept of interest is ultrasonographic morphological and/or qualitative assessment of the CHL or rotator interval and investigations of their association with physical function measures. Regarding context, studies in settings such as physical therapy assessment and conservative management will be included; the setting (e.g., hospital, clinic) will not be restricted. Methods The primary information sources will be PubMed, Scopus, Ichushi-Web (Japan Medical Abstracts Society) and PEDro. In addition, to identify grey literature, clinical trial registries including the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched. Study selection and data extraction will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Findings will be descriptively organized and presented with a focus on associations between ultrasound-based indicators and physical function.
Source: Open Science Framework
Authors: Funayose, Hikaru, Takato Ito, Isaji, Yuichi
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7125599696