[Scanning Technique in Shoulder Ultrasonography]

This guide to ultrasound examination of the shoulder describes the basic scanning planes and contains corresponding high-resolution ultrasound images. The patient and probe positionings are explained in a simplified step-by-step manner using schematic drawings. This standard and simple examination technique seems to be an appropriate way to improve the learning curve of novice musculoskeletal sonographers. In this manuscript, an emphasis is placed on the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, and joint recesses evaluation. This article also describes some common pitfalls to avoid when starting with shoulder ultrasonography (e.g. always determine the relevance of ultrasound findings in the context of clinical examination). Key words: tendons, bursa, synovial, shoulder, musculoskeletal, protocol, examination, ultrasound imaging, sonography, rotator cuff, acromioclavicular joint, shoulder impingement syndrome, learning curve.