Shoulder ultrasound (Shoulder UZV)

Shoulder ultrasound represents the most reliable, safest, and fastest method for diagnosing shoulder complaints. Shoulder ultrasound enables detailed visualization of tendons, muscles, bursae, ligaments, and joint structures, including the rotator cuff and long head of biceps. The examination is completely painless, uses no radiation, and proves ideal for athletes, recreational participants, and all individuals with shoulder pain.

Thanks to dynamic examination capability, shoulder ultrasound detects functional disorders during movement, rendering it exceptionally precise and valuable in daily clinical practice.

What is Shoulder Ultrasound?

Shoulder ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic examination utilizing high-frequency ultrasound waves to depict:

• Rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor),
• Long head of biceps tendon,
• Subacromial and subdeltoid bursae,
• Acromioclavicular joint,
• Shoulder girdle muscles,
• Suspected ruptures, calcifications, and effusions.

Since it permits real-time observation, shoulder ultrasound excels at detecting impingement syndrome, tendinitis, partial tendon ruptures, and biceps instability.

Who is Shoulder Ultrasound Intended For?

Shoulder ultrasound is recommended for individuals experiencing:

• Shoulder pain when raising the arm, sleeping, or under load
• Limited motion, stiffness, or “catching” in the shoulder
• Suspicion of tendon or bursitis inflammation
• Injuries during sports, falls, or sudden movements
• Impingement syndrome symptoms
• Suspected calcifications
• Arm weakness or difficulty lifting objects
• Swelling or tenderness around the shoulder
• Postoperative complaints following shoulder surgery

Shoulder ultrasound constitutes the first choice in diagnosing sports and work-related injuries.

What Does Shoulder Ultrasound Reveal?

The examination provides detailed depiction of:

• Tendinitis (rotator cuff tendon inflammation)
• Partial and complete tendon ruptures
• Calcific tendinitis – calcifications in tendons
• Bursitis – bursa inflammation (subacromial, subdeltoid)
• Impingement syndrome – tendon-bone friction
• Long head of biceps inflammation and subluxation
• Joint effusions
• Degenerative changes
• Muscle injuries and strains
• Post-traumatic changes following impact or fall

This examination serves as the preferred choice for all suspicions of rotator cuff damage.

How Does Shoulder Ultrasound Examination Appear?

The examination lasts about 10–15 minutes:

• The patient sits or lies in a relaxed position.
• The physician applies gel for optimal visualization.
• All rotator cuff tendons, biceps, bursae, and joint structures are systematically examined.
• Dynamic assessment occurs during movement as needed.
• Findings are available immediately, with recommendations for treatment or further diagnostics.

When is Shoulder Ultrasound Needed?

Consider the examination if experiencing:

• Shoulder pain lasting more than a few days,
• Pain when raising the arm above the head,
• Clicking or shoulder instability,
• Fall or injury,
• Reduced range of motion,
• Inability to lift objects,
• Suspected tendon injury,
• Complaints recurring despite therapy.

Early diagnosis prevents chronic changes and shortens recovery time.