Description

An 80-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of bilateral shoulder pain and swelling (figure 1). There was no history of any trauma. Physical examination showed limited and painful active and passive range of motion of the shoulders and a valgus deformity of the knees. Anteroposterior X-rays of the shoulders and knees were performed (figure 2). Shoulder ultrasound revealed exuberant subacromial bursitis (figure 3) associated with complete rotator cuff tear bilaterally. Bursa aspiration yielded a haemorrhagic non-inflammatory fluid and hydroxyapatite crystals were identified with alizarin red staining (figure 4). Synovial fluid culture was negative. The diagnosis of Milwaukee shoulder syndrome (MSS) was established. The patient was treated with local glucocorticoid injection, with symptomatic benefit.

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Figure 1

Clinical aspect of the patient. Note the presence of bilateral swelling of the shoulders.

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Figure 2

(A) Right shoulder radiograph (anteroposterior, AP): narrowing of the glenohumeral joint, irregular calcifications, sclerosis and osteophytes of the humeral head. (B) Left shoulder radiograph AP: soft tissue swelling, narrowing of the glenohumeral joint space, superior subluxation of the deformed humeral head and soft tissue calcification. (C) Frontal radiograph of the left knee: marked narrowing of the lateral tibiofemoral compartment.

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Figure 3

Shoulder ultrasonography (GE Logiq 5 ultrasound machine; 7–12 MHz linear probe; transversal scan): exuberant distension of the subacromial bursa revealed by a hypoechoic image which represents synovial fluid effusion, without power Doppler signal in the synovial membrane. (A) Right shoulder and (B) left shoulder.

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Figure 4

Subacromial bursa aspiration yielded over 200 mL of a haemorrhagic synovial fluid, which exhibited a non-inflammatory cell count (leucocytes 800/mm³).

MSS is a rare destructive shoulder arthropathy characterised by pain, large joint or bursa effusion associated with the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals.1 The condition is characterised by rapid and widespread cartilage and subchondral bone destruction and multiple osteochondral loose bodies. The synovial fluid analysis is the cornerstone of diagnosis, revealing a serohematic synovial fluid and in 80% of cases with low cellularity (<2000 leucocytes/mL) cells. Typically calcium hydroxyapatite crystals are visualised with alizarin red staining.

Complete rupture of the rotator cuff is commonly seen.2 ,3 The knees are affected in 50% of cases, namely the patellofemoral and lateral tibiofemoral compartments, as opposed to primary osteoarthritis.

Treatment currently is supportive and symptomatic.3 Despite the clinical history and radiographic changes suggestive of MSS, the detection and identification of hydroxyapatite crystals in synovial fluid, with alizarin red staining, is critical to confirm the diagnosis of MSS.