[Soft tissue diagnosis of the shoulder joint using sonography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance...

Injuries and degenerative alterations of the shoulder predominantly affect the soft tissue. To investigate this area we use a multitude of diagnostic examinations: apart from clinical and functional diagnosis also the image reproductive methods of arthrography, ultrasound and computer tomography in addition to the classical X-ray. To ascertain pathological changes to shoulder soft tissue the simplest and quickest, least dangerous and most straightforward examination is the sonograph as it includes dynamic movement procedures. Warning: a high degree of experience and anatomical knowledge is a must! Computer- and especially nuclear spin tomography--being static examining forms a comprehensive picture of every anatomic structure and its pathology--may well represent a valuable addition to shoulder diagnostics. Nevertheless, as yet the clinical and material requirements are still enormous.