Shoulder ultrasound in Pozzallo

Yes, and that is its strong point. The cuff tendons, the bursa under the acromion and the long head of the biceps are studied very well with ultrasound, both for inflammation and for tears.

It depends on what is suspected. For tendons, bursa and calcifications ultrasound is the first choice: it is quick and lets you move your arm during the scan. MRI is needed when the suspicion concerns the glenoid labrum, cartilage or bone, or when surgery is being planned.

Because the shoulder is studied in motion. By having you raise and rotate your arm I can see the tendons slide under the acromion: some impingements and certain tears only become visible this way, while with the arm still they would go unnoticed.

Yes. In calcific tendinopathy, calcium deposits form in the rotator cuff tendons, most often in the supraspinatus. Ultrasound shows their position and size and helps to tell compact calcifications from those being reabsorbed, which is often the most painful phase. An X-ray is a complementary exam.

It is inflammation of the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction, lying between the rotator cuff, the acromion and the deltoid muscle. Ultrasound shows whether the bursa is thickened or contains fluid (effusion). It may occur on its own or together with a rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Yes. Ultrasound detects tears of the rotator cuff tendons, in particular the supraspinatus, and distinguishes a full-thickness tear (the tendon is interrupted all the way through) from a partial tear. The report states their position and extent, which help the orthopaedic surgeon decide on treatment.

Because comparing with the healthy side helps to tell whether a difference is significant. If needed I do it during the same appointment, at no extra cost.

Yes, if you have them. Comparing with previous exams shows how things have changed and helps focus the ultrasound on the right spot.

No, ultrasound does not hurt. It is a painless exam: the probe glides over the skin with a little gel. In some cases the pressure of the probe may cause slight discomfort, for example on an area that is already inflamed, on a very full bladder or on a painful joint. In rare situations, such as appendicitis, the scan may be more uncomfortable, but these cases are rare and the pressure is adapted to what you can tolerate. If you feel pain, tell me: we stop straight away.

About 15–20 minutes: the rotator cuff tendons, the long head of the biceps and the bursae are examined, also with the arm moving. It may take up to 30 minutes in complex cases.

Avoid creams and oils on the shoulder on the day of the scan. Wear a vest or a top that is easy to take off, because the whole shoulder needs to be uncovered; remove long necklaces.