[Shoulder and transducer position in sonographic soft tissue diagnosis. Anatomic principles]

The positions of the arm and of the transducer for the sonographic detection of soft tissue disorders of the shoulder have not yet been standardised. Anatomical studies were performed on 16 shoulders in different rotatory positions according to applied sonographic planes. 4 images in 3 different shoulder positions are necessary to evaluate the clinical important areas as completely as possible. With regard to the time and cost involved, this expenditure is acceptable in daily routine work.