Ultrasonography of Subcoracoid Bursal Impingement Syndrome

Abstract

Subcoracoid impingement syndrome with bursitis is an underrecognized cause of anterior shoulder pain. It usually presents with pain around the coracoid process and a positive impingement test with shoulder adduction, forward flexion, and internal rotation. The pain is mediated by impingement of soft tissues such as the subcoracoid bursa or subscapularis tendon between the coracoid process and humerus. Ultrasonography (US) can be useful in the evaluation of subcoracoid bursal impingement syndrome because of its high resolution capacity and the use of dynamic maneuvers. In this case series, we present 3 patients with subcoracoid impingement syndrome with bursitis diagnosed with in-office US. This case series illustrates the application of US in the evaluation of anterior shoulder pain with subcoracoid bursal impingement syndrome.