Imaging of the shoulder

Abstract

Radiological examination of the shoulder currently employs different imaging techniques that are used separately or more often in combination, depending on the specific clinical issues. The task of imaging is not only to detect the presence of pathology but also to direct the surgeon towards the most suitable treatment (conservative, arthroscopic, or open surgery). The need to choose between different imaging modalities is in part due to the anatomical complexity of the shoulder and the adjacent soft tissues. The contribution of each method does not always answer the specific clinical question posed by the specialist. Conventional radiographic examination (CR) performed with standard and complementary views is often deemed crucial for the biplanar evaluation of bone structures of the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint, as well as to exclude calcifications or bone lesions; however, when no explanation is identified for the “pain” in the shoulder, given the absence of lesions detected by radiography, it becomes necessary to integrate second-level exams.