The purpose of this study is to review the anatomical structures, ultrasonography examination technique and imaging findings in patients with musculotendinous lesions of the shoulder with the aim of helping the radiologist in the differential diagnosis of these lesions. We performed ultrasonography examinations of the shoulder using high-resolution probes (7.5-10 MHz) in 34 patients from January to December, 2001. The examination was normal in eight patients (23%) whereas 26 patients presented abnormalities: eight patients had total rotator cuff tears (30%), five had partial rotator cuff (19%), ten had tendinopathy (38%), one had calcified tendinopathy (3%), one had biceps tendinitis, one had biceps tendon luxation (3%) and one had tendinopathy associated to crystal arthropathy (3%). The lack of experience and the insufficient knowledge about the main diseases of the shoulder are limiting factors for the diagnosis of these lesions. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the abnormalities of the shoulder should be carried out.
Shoulder; Ultrasonography; Rotator cuff
