Radiologic evaluation of the shoulder girdle

The radiologic evaluation of the shoulder girdle is an important adjunct to the clinical history and physical examination. Close collaboration between musculoskeletal clinicians and musculoskeletal radiologists improves the diagnostic performance of imaging studies. Technologic advantages, especially in MRI, have improved appreciation of shoulder anatomy, biomechanics, and injury patterns, allowing for the development of more targeted surgical and nonsurgical treatment strategies. This article reviews imaging considerations of the major clinical entities related to the shoulder.