Sonographic Evaluation of the Shoulder

Abstract

The shoulder joint is the commonest joint examined sonographically, and is often the first joint on which most imagers are introduced to musculoskeletal ultrasound. The shoulder is superficial and readily accessible to ultrasound assessment and is excellent for assessing the normal anatomy and pathology of the shoulder joint; it has sensitivities and specificities in assessment of the rotator cuff that are comparable to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasound offers excellent resolution, is multiplanar, accessible, and cost efficient. One of ultrasound’s main strengths is its ability to image in real time the normal dynamic motion of joints and surrounding soft tissues. This dynamic component of the study may expose pathologies not apparent in a static examination.