Imaging of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
摘要
Shoulder disorders are one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Shoulder impingement is a shoulder disorder where patients can present with anterior shoulder pain and/or dysfunction. They are broadly classified as external and internal impingements. Impingement syndromes are diagnosed based on clinical examination, while imaging supports the diagnosis and monitoring of these patients during treatment. Radiographs are an excellent modality for evaluating the bony anatomy of the shoulder. Ultrasound can provide a real-time and radiation-free evaluation of the shoulder with the added benefit of monitoring for rotator cuff pathologies and image-guided injections and tenotomy. CT is an excellent tool for evaluating bony anatomy, but its use is limited by radiation. CT arthrogram can be used in scenarios where MRI is contraindicated as it combines the advantages of bony assessment and evaluation of rotator cuff and labrum. MRI with its excellent spatial resolution and soft tissue contrast is an excellent tool for the evaluation of rotator cuff tears and labral injuries and is considered as an optimal first-line investigation after radiographs to evaluate patients with shoulder impingement disorders. 3D MRI with its rapid acquisition and capability to be reconstructed in arbitrary desired planes renders MR imaging more time efficient and diagnostically effective. Finally, MR arthrogram carries all the benefits of MR imaging with slightly higher sensitivity to visualize certain rotator cuff tears and labral tears at the expense of an invasive and more costly examination. Imaging also plays an extremely important role in monitoring postoperative patients. This chapter discusses the role of different imaging modalities in the management of shoulder impingement syndrome. A brief overview of different imaging modalities is provided so that the reader may be able to choose the appropriate modality based on the clinical scenario and their practice differences.