Shoulder ultrasound: current concepts and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal imaging
• Diagnostic radiology
• Orthopedic imaging

Background:

• Ultrasonography is a key imaging modality for shoulder structures.
• It diagnoses various rotator cuff and non-rotator cuff pathologies.
• Standardized protocols enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the utility of shoulder ultrasonography.
• To emphasize its advantages over other imaging techniques.
• To discuss its role in diagnosis and interventional procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of ultrasonography applications in shoulder pathologies.
• Comparison with other imaging modalities like MRI.
• Discussion of advanced techniques like contrast-enhanced ultrasound and ultra-high-frequency ultrasound.

Main Results:

• Shoulder ultrasound demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for rotator cuff diseases and other abnormalities.
• It provides dynamic assessment crucial for impingement evaluation.
• It is effective for guiding diagnostic and therapeutic percutaneous procedures.

Conclusions:

• Shoulder ultrasonography is a versatile, cost-effective, and safe imaging tool.
• Its dynamic capabilities and procedural guidance utility are significant advantages.
• Emerging technologies like ultra-high-frequency ultrasound promise enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.