Medical expert of the article
New publications
Shoulder ultrasound
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Where to get an ultrasound of the shoulder joint and why early diagnosis of injuries and bruises contributes to the rapid restoration of damaged tissues, we will consider these questions.
In most medical institutions, X-ray examination of the shoulder joint remains mandatory in the examination algorithm for patients with shoulder pathology. It is well known that X-ray examination is highly informative when searching for traumatic injuries to bone structures. However, due to the low information content of the X-ray method in displaying soft tissue changes, very often, if the appropriate equipment is available, patients are sent directly to MR tomography of the shoulder joint, since this method allows assessing the condition of both soft tissue and bone structures. At the same time, extensive experience in using the ultrasound method in examining the musculoskeletal system has shown that the shoulder joint is one of the most convenient and suitable joints for highly informative ultrasound examination. This is explained by the fact that most pathological symptoms in this joint are associated with changes in its soft tissues, which are perfectly displayed during ultrasound examination.
The widespread use of ultrasound scanners, the simplicity of the procedure and the relatively low cost of the examination force traumatologists today to increasingly send patients directly to an ultrasound of the shoulder joint. In addition, the information content of an ultrasound of the shoulder joint is comparable to the information content of an MRI, and in some cases exceeds the latter (for example, when examining the rotator cuff). The algorithm of radiation examination for traumatic damage to the shoulder joint is determined by a specific clinical situation. Thus, if a fracture of bone structures is suspected, an X-ray examination should be performed first, if muscle and tendon ruptures are suspected - an ultrasound, and if intra-articular pathology is suspected - an MRI.
Ultrasound examination of the shoulder joint is used to study traumatic, rheumatological and other pathologies of the articular bones, meniscus, ligaments, cartilage, muscles. Ultrasound of the shoulder joints is more informative than X-ray examination and more accessible in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging.
Ultrasound scanning can detect lateral and medial epicondylitis, tendon ruptures and injuries, joint ligament injuries, fractures of the ulnar processes and humeral condyles, bursitis, tenosynovitis, tendinitis, compression or displacement of the ulnar nerve. The procedure does not require special preparation. Ultrasound is harmless and safe for the human body, so it can be performed even on children. Ultrasound diagnostics is performed in a sitting position, the shoulder joint is examined in several positions.
If you have received a doctor's referral for diagnostics, the procedure may be free or at a minimal cost.