USG Scan - Shoulder Test

Shoulder disorders are a very common problem. About 20% of the people experience shoulder problem at some stage in life. Shoulder pain is usually poorly localized, with the exception of pain that occurs in the acromioclavicular joint. Shoulder ultrasound is consistently used for assessing the rotator cuff. The ultrasound is as accurate as magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of rotator cuff tear. The USG scan can be used as a focused examination providing rapid, treatment, and real-time diagnosis in desired clinical situations. Ultrasound of the shoulder helps in diagnosing rotator cuff disorders, shoulder instability, and shoulder impingement. The examination requires appropriate patient positioning and attention to technique.

It is advisable to bring your prescription letter from your doctor and your Medicare or Pension Healthcare card along with you for your appointment. Please make sure that you reach the clinic on time for your examination to ensure that sufficient time is available to perform the examination. Usually, no special preparation is required for shoulder ultrasound. It is also important that you are provided with all the relevant information before performing the tests. Any previous scans or X-rays should be brought along with you for comparative purpose. Please do not hesitate to ask the staff if you have any concerns or questions.

As already mentioned above, the ultrasound is usually used for the rotator cuff complex of the shoulder. Ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic examination which helps in assessing the following indication:

• Whether the bursa is too thick or there is excess fluid in the bursa.
• Calcific tendonitis
• Complete rotate cuff tears which include signs of absence of normal tendon, compression test, hypoechoic zone separating the tendon edges, or flattening of the superficial border of the tendon
• Partial rotator cuff tears
• Hill-Sachs Lesions
• Acromioclavicular Joint pathology
• Long head of biceps
• Pre & Post abduction views
• Posterior Joint recess
• Subscapularis tendon

The procedure of ultrasound is performed in the ultrasound room by a sonographer. The procedure takes around 20-30 minutes. You will be asked to change your dress and wear a gown. Your whole body will be covered except for the area required to be scanned. Ultrasound gel is spread on the patient’s shoulder to ensure a good contact between the skin and transducer. The area is scanned with the help of ultrasound probe. All the best possible images of the structures are taken for analysis by a radiologist. The result of the ultrasound is provided to the patients within 48 hours and is asked to consult the referring doctor for further medications.