Learning objectives
To present a description of the ultrasonography technique that can be effective in evaluating the shoulder,
illustrated with didactic schemes and illustrations of the correct positioning of the probe.
The normal anatomy of the articular structures of the shoulder will be reviewed and a checklist protocol will be proposed.
Background
The ultrasonography (US) is an important imaging modality to evaluate pathologic conditions of the shoulder,
with the advantages of good spatial resolution,clinical correlation and dynamic assessment of disease,
especially in the rotator cuff disease.
When performed with appropriate equipment by skilled operators,
US is widely recognized as a means of a accurately assessing rotator cuff disease,
with a sensitivity and specificity as high as 90%-95%.
The accuracy is dependent on the technique and the skill and experience of the individual performing the ultrasonography examination that...
Findings and procedure details
Dynamic ultrasonography is performed with varying degrees of patient arm rotation and joint stress maneuvers.
Patient positioning mustbe comfortable for both the patient and operator.
Most authors prefer to scan facing the front of the patient rather than behind the patient.
Probe frequency selection depends on the patients build,
but a multifrequency linear transducer (9-12Mz) is usually appropriate for US shoulder evaluation.
Uncommonly a 9-MHz transducer is required for extremely large patients to allow depth penetration (with less resolution).
The basic objectives for each step...
Conclusion
Ultrasonography represents a useful imaging modality for the assessment of a wide range of abnormalities involving the anatomic structures of the shoulder.
It is,
nevertheless,
essential to have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and to perform ultrasonography of the shoulder on a regular basis and in a standardized way.
References
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Jacobson JA.Shoulder US: anatomy,
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2011 Jul; 260(1):6-16
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Martinoli C.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound: technical guidelines.
Insights into Imaging.
2010 Jul; 1(3): 99-141
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Petranova T,
Vlad V,
Porta F,
Radunovic G,
Micu MC,
Nestorova R,
Iagnocco A.Ultrasound of the shoulder.Med Ultrason.
2012 Jun; 14(2):133-40
5.
Martinoli C,
Bianchi S,
Prato N,
Pugliese F,
Zamorani MP,
Valle M,
Derchi LE.US of the shoulder: non-rotator cuff disorders.
Radiographics.
2003 Mar-Apr;...