Abstract
Sonography is commonly used for the evaluation of shoulder symptoms. This report describes some of the bony and/or calcific changes that may be visualized in the ultrasound examination of the shoulder and may not have been detected by other modalities. Sonography is able to accurately predict the diameter of the acromioclavicular joint as well as determine the presence or absence of osteoarthritis at this joint. The os acromiale is amenable to ultrasonic detection also. Sonography appears to be more sensitive in the detection of rotator cuff calcification than the standard shoulder x-ray series and has the additional advantage of precise localization of the tendon of origin of the calcification. Sonography is able to reliably detect fractures around the greater tuberosity, and the Hill-Sachs lesion may also be seen. Changes of irregularity, cyst formation, and sclerosis around the greater tuberosity may occur in association with the impingement syndrome. These changes lead to irregularity of the greater tuberosity. Sonography can detect these changes and, to some degree, grade their severity.