Ultrasonography of rotator cuff pathology

Shoulder sonography is a valuable means of evaluating the rotator cuff and biceps tendon. In experienced hands, it is as sensitive as arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging for detecting rotator cuff tears and abnormalities of the biceps tendon. Because sonography is rapid, noninvasive, relatively inexpensive, and capable of performing bilateral examinations in one sitting, it should be used as the initial imaging test when the primary question is one of rotator cuff or biceps tendon abnormalities.