Non-Acute Shoulder Pain: Correlation between Ultrasonography and MRI Findings

Abstract Background Shoulder pain affects people of all ages and activity levels, from elite athletes to sedentary individuals. The imaging workup of shoulder pain is important because it is the second most common musculoskeletal complaint after back pain for which patients seek medical attention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well established as a powerful imaging modality for the shoulder. In the last decade, ultrasound has emerged as an effective imaging option alongside MRI for evaluation of the shoulder. With MRI and ultrasound, clinicians now have two viable advanced imaging options for the diagnostic evaluation of shoulder pain. Aim to assess the value added, sensitivity and specificity of US in non-acute shoulder pain using conventional MRI as a gold standard. Material & Method Our study was carried out on 47 patients, based on age ≥ 18 years, having shoulder pain for 6 months &more. the patients had both US & MRI examination, the findings of the 2 modalities were recorded and compared. Results There was significant statistical agreement (P value <0.001) between US & conventional MRI, US demonstrated SST, SS partial &full thickness tear, LHBT pathologies, AC morphological changes and bursitis. Conclusion Based on the results, high resolution US with dynamic real-time assessment was proven to be fairly sensitive, specific with significant agreement to conventional MRI in detecting different causes of chronic shoulder pain. So US can be used as an initial modality for patients with painful shoulder.