European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background - Shoulder pain is one of the commonest conditions encountered in our
orthopedic department. Accurate diagnosis is a must before undertaking any treatment. Since
clinical diagnosis cannot make an accurate diagnosis, radiological investigation is necessary
to know the exact cause of shoulder pain. There are a wide range of invasive and noninvasive
modalities that can be used to investigate these patients. Ultrasound examination is a
highly specific and sensitive modality in comparison with MRI. High-resolution real-time
USG has shown to be a cost-effective means of investigation of rotator cuff pathologies. With
recent advances with USG, results of imaging of shoulder joint pathologies are as similar or
in some cases more precise in the diagnosis than MRI.
Methods - Prospective analysis of 52 patients presenting with shoulder pain were included in
our study. A pre-formed written consent is also taken. All patients underwent a thorough
clinical examination, USG of the affected shoulder with comparison of the opposite side and
MRI of the affected shoulder for comparison.
Results - Ultrasound is equivalent in detection of rotator cuff tears in comparison with MRI.
MRI outscores ultrasound in detection of labral tears, cartilaginous lesions and subtle bony
lesions. USG examination can be used as the first line of investigating a case of shoulder pain
as it is inexpensive, real time and allows for comparison with the opposite side. MRI can be
used as a confirmatory tool.