Shoulder Ultrasound

In the diagnosis and evaluation of musculoskeletal (msk) diseases such inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint diseases, high resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound (hrMSUS or MSUS) is a superb, precise, and validated method.

Many soft-tissue structures can be seen using high resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography, and depending on the tissue under investigation, msus can also identify a variety of pathologic alterations employing mostly linear scan probes with frequencies ranging from 5 MHz to 24 MHz (up to 70 MHz when examining entheses, nails or the skin).

Msk structures are assessed dynamically in real-time and static with the advantage of a multiplanar view.

Msus is a helpful instrument for directed interventions at the msk system as well.

This method has some limitations, including limited acoustic windows, difficulty detecting diseases in deep or large joints, a small field of vision, and a significant operator dependence.

Attending theoretical and practical seminars, as well as individual research using books, websites, or social media, all qualify as training.

Consolidating msus knowledge requires the use of high-quality ultrasound equipment and the performance of supervised normal and abnormal msus examinations throughout a training phase.

The first focus of this textbook and atlas is to demonstrate a standardized ultrasound examination of the shoulder enhanced with basic anatomical (MRI-, CT-Scans; cadaver models) and arthroscopic images. The second focus is a thorough pictorial atlas of selected basic and advanced ultrasound pathologies.

Giorgio Tamborrini

Basel, 2023