[BWS-mobility in patients with an impingement syndrome compared to healthy subjects--an inclinometric study].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between the mobility of the thoracic spine and an impingement syndrome of the shoulder.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 50 patients with an impingement syndrome and 50 healthy test subjects were examined for the mobility of their thoracic spines. All patients and test subjects were examined according to a standardized protocol. The experiments were carried out in the biomechanical laboratory of our clinic with the Plurimetercompass and the Inclinometer of Rippstein.


RESULTS
In 23 patients a tendinosis calcarea was diagnosed radiologically, 27 patients suffered from a plain impingement without calcification, hence both groups were analyzed separately. The mobility of the thoracic spine in the sagittal and frontal planes and in rotation was significantly different between the three groups. The highest mobility was found in the healthy test subjects, the lowest in patients with a plain impingement. No differences were found concerning the initial posture of the thoracic spine.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a relation between mobility of the thoracic spine and an impingement syndrome. This should be respected in diagnosis and therapy.
Meurer
A
A
Orthopädische Klinik und Poliklinik der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
Grober
J
J
Betz
U
U
Decking
J
J
Rompe
J-D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*