[Ultrasound study of the shoulder]

The sonographic examination of the shoulder joint is nowadays a matter of the daily routine. A standardized way of examination permits to evaluate all sonographic visible regions of the shoulder joint statically and dynamically as well. Pathologic findings in the shape of the humeral head, the joint (except of the joint pan and parts of the labrum), the rotator cuff, the long biceps tendon, the bursa subacromialis and the acromio-clavicular joint can be seen and assessed. A qualified examinator with excellent knowledge of the anatomy and the current diseases and injuries, and an adequate apparative condition as well, is of eminent importance. In comparison with MRI the advantage of the sonography is a higher resolution, the possibility of dynamic examination and an easy comparison with the opposite side. Availability is better and the price is lower. A disadvantage is the impossibility to judge the subacromial space and parts of the glenoid rim. Furthermore the skill of the sonographer limits the evidence of the examination. Sonographic examination should belong, together with the conventional x-ray to the first imaging procedures in shoulder diagnostics.