Ultrasound of the shoulder

Description: Shoulder ultrasound (US) is a powerful, inexpensive, rapid, noninvasive, and dynamic method for evaluation of the integrity of the rotator cuff. This manuscript reviews the complex three-dimensional anatomy of the rotator cuff and describes in detail a suggested technique for sonographic evaluation of the shoulder. Strengths and weaknesses of this modality for the evaluation of rotator cuff tear in both the pre- and postoperative shoulder are discussed. Sensitivities and specificities of more than 90% for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear have been reported by many authors. Finally, although shoulder sonography is most commonly used to evaluate the status of the rotator cuff, a brief discussion of the utility of shoulder US in the diagnosis of other abnormalities that may be encountered during the course of a shoulder sonogram (trauma, calcific tendinitis, arthropathies, and abnormalities of the biceps tendon) will be discussed.