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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2008; 12(2): 127-135
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1078700
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Internal Impingement Syndromes of the Shoulder

Andrew J. Grainger1
  • 1Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
28 May 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The internal impingement syndromes are a group of conditions that result from the impingement of the soft tissues of the rotator cuff and joint capsule on the glenoid or between the glenoid and the humerus. They should not be confused with conditions where impingement of cuff and bursa occur on the structures of the coracoacromial arch, so-called external impingement. Some controversy surrounds the true etiology of the soft tissue injuries seen in internal impingement syndromes and whether they are truly the result of impingement. Internal impingement seems to be a normal physiological occurrence with the shoulder in certain positions. Imaging findings in these conditions include undersurface partial-thickness cuff tears, superior labral pathology, and bone changes.

KEYWORDS

Internal impingement - MRI - MR arthrography - ultrasound - glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) - microinstability

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Andrew J GraingerB.M. B.S. 

Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Chapel Allerton Hospital

Chapeltown Rd., Leeds, LS7 4SA, UK

Email: andrew.grainger@leedsth.nhs.uk