Role Of Ultrasound In Evaluation Of Rotator Cuff And Associated Pathologies In Patients With Shoulder Pain

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff injuries are a leading cause of shoulder
pain, significantly impacting quality of life and functionality.
Ultrasonography (USG) has emerged as an effective, non-invasive,
and accessible imaging modality for evaluating shoulder pathologies,
particularly rotator cuff disorders.
Objective: To assess the role of ultrasound in detecting rotator cuff
and associated shoulder pathologies in symptomatic patients, and to
evaluate its diagnostic value compared to conventional modalities.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over five months in
the Radiodiagnosis Department at ASRAM Hospital, Eluru. Fifty
patients aged 15–60 years presenting with shoulder pain were
evaluated using high-resolution ultrasound. Demographic data,
sonographic findings, and lesion characteristics were analyzed
statistically.
Results: Among 50 patients, 70% were male and 80% had right-sided
shoulder pain. Rotator cuff tears were identified in 50% of cases, with
full-thickness tears (60%) being more common than partial-thickness
tears (40%). Other findings included rotator cuff tendinitis (20%),
degenerative changes (10%), and biceps pathologies. No
abnormalities were found in 20% of patients.
Conclusion: High-resolution ultrasound is a reliable and efficient
first-line imaging modality for evaluating rotator cuff and related
pathologies. It demonstrated strong diagnostic accuracy, especially in
full-thickness tears, and plays a critical role in the early diagnosis and
management of shoulder pain.