Ultrasound diagnosis of impingement syndrome of the shoulder joint
The work deals with investigation of ultrasound signs of impingement syndrome of the shoulder joint. The findings of ultrasound investigation of shoulder joints of 62 patients with complaints of a prolonged (over 1 year) pain in the shoulder area, limited movement in the joint without obvious trauma in the history were analyzed. The ultrasound findings were compared with those of MRI and radiography. Ultrasound signs of impingement syndrome, i.e. thinning of the rotatory cuff, sharp increase of its echogenicity, calcifications and partial impairments, limited and almost completely lost movements at functional load, were revealed. Ultrasound investigation is non-invasive, accessible and highly effective method of diagnosis of impingement syndrome of the shoulder joint, with sensitivity exceeding that of MRI due to its capability to perform a functional test and possibility to assess vascularization.