USG stawu barkowego

What is Shoulder Joint Ultrasound

Shoulder joint ultrasound (USG) is an imaging examination that allows a detailed assessment of the structures of the shoulder joint – tendons, ligaments, joint capsule, and muscles. The test is safe, non-invasive, and does not use radiation. Thanks to real-time imaging, the doctor can quickly evaluate the health of the joint and identify any pathological changes.

Who is it for

Shoulder joint ultrasound is recommended for individuals who:

• experience pain or discomfort around the shoulder;
• have limited mobility in the arm or shoulder;
• have had a shoulder injury (e.g. fall, sports injury);
• suffer from tendon inflammation or joint degeneration;
• feel stiffness in the shoulder joint or hear clicking during movement;
• need to monitor the progress of treatment after shoulder surgery.

The test is particularly recommended when there are difficulties in moving the arm or pain associated with the shoulder joint.

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is needed for shoulder joint ultrasound. You can eat and drink as usual on the day of the test. It is recommended to wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the examination area.

Before your visit:

• bring your ID and, if available, a referral for the test;
• bring any previous imaging results (e.g. X-ray, MRI) and hospital discharge summaries;
• inform the doctor about any medications you are taking, especially painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs;
• if possible, provide information about previous shoulder injuries or surgeries in that area.

How the test is performed

The ultrasound examination of the shoulder joint is performed while you are lying or sitting comfortably. Once in the examination room, the doctor will ask you to position yourself so that the shoulder joint is clearly visible.

A special gel will be applied to the skin around the shoulder. The doctor will then move the ultrasound probe along the joint, analyzing the image on the screen. The test is painless, but you may feel slight pressure from the probe in sensitive areas.

The entire examination usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and after its completion, you can immediately return to your normal activities.

How long you wait for the result and how to interpret it

You will typically receive the result of the shoulder joint ultrasound immediately after the test or after a short waiting period. The result is provided as a written medical report, often with an image from the ultrasound scanner attached.

The report contains information about:

• the functionality of the joint, the presence of inflammation, injuries, or damage;
• changes in the joint structures such as tendons, ligaments, or the joint capsule;
• the presence of degenerative changes or tissue damage.

It is best to consult the interpretation of the results with an orthopedic doctor or a rehabilitation specialist, who will discuss any further steps for treatment or therapy. Self-analysis of the results is not recommended.

Additional Information

Shoulder joint ultrasound is safe and can be performed multiple times, even in older adults or those with chronic illnesses. The test does not use radiation, making it a safe alternative to other diagnostic methods such as X-rays or CT scans.

The test is an excellent tool for diagnosing sports injuries, injuries, and monitoring the progress of shoulder joint disease treatment. USG allows for quick identification of the problem and the initiation of effective therapy.