Shoulder Ultrasound Scans - Shoulder Pain Diagnosis

Shoulder Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan

The Anatomy of a Shoulder Ultrasound Scan

Diagnostic ultrasound has become the gold standard for many common musculoskeletal shoulder pain conditions. Due to the ability to visualize small defects in tendons, underlying bony attachment of tendons and the ability to stretch and load specific structures of the shoulder due to the range of motion available, A shoulder ultrasound scan is able to define small changes  including:

• Areas of rotator cuff tendinopathy

• rotator cuff tears,  location  and precise measurements

• distention and thickening to this subacromial bursa

• Thickening to the ligaments of the rotator interval,  common in frozen shoulder

• long head of biceps tenosynovitis and tears

• AC joint arthritic changes

• Shoulder (glenohumeral) joint  arthritic changes and joint effusion 

Irrespective of the  probable diagnosis a shoulder ultrasound scan normally follows a relatively defined protocol...

1. Initially, the long head of the biceps tendon is visualized in a transverse view and a longitudinal axis view  with any areas of tendon sheath effusion, tendon thinning or tearing noted. 

2. The pectoralis major tendon can be well visualized attaching to the humerus towards the lower end of the long head of the biceps tendon. 

3. The next step is a detailed examination of one of the rotator cuff tendons, the subscapularis.  The subscapularis is scanned in a longitudinal and a transverse orientation and Is checked for its characteristic striped fiber pattern as well as any tendon tears.

4. The supraspinatus tendon is next examined and checked for its normal characteristic bony attachments known as the greatest tuberosity as well as for any areas of tendon thickening or tears within the body of the supraspinatus tendon. 

5. While imaging the supraspinatus tendon in a transverse orientation the clinician will often take measurements of the subacromial subdeltoid bursa.

6. The acromioclavicular (AC)  joint will be checked for any capsular thickening or significant bony regularity and keeping with an injury or arthritis at this joint.

7. Finally towards the back of the shoulder, the infraspinatus tendon of the rotator cuff will be imaged as well as the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint recess being checked for any joint fluid or areas of bony irregularity which may indicate previous injury or arthritis. 

Shoulder Examination & Ultrasound Scan - £125.00

Price includes full diagnostic report with diagnostic images

07585 786 571

Shoulder Ultrasound Scan Sample Report: