Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 13, Issue 5 389-393, Copyright © 1994 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Sonographic evaluation of posterior instability and dislocation of the shoulder: prospective study
S. Bianchi, A. Zwass and I. Abdelwahab
E.O. Ospedali Galleria, Genoa, Italy.
Owing to the exceptional mechanical precariousness of the glenohumeral
joint, dislocations and instabilities are common. Because posterior
dislocation or instability of the joint occurs infrequently, these
abnormalities may be misdiagnosed on routine radiographic examinations in
acute shoulder injuries. We present five patients in whom sonographic
examination was used to diagnose posterior shoulder instability (three
cases) and posterior shoulder dislocation (two cases). The sonographic
technique demonstrates the presence of instability or dislocation and
permits dynamic examination of the shoulder joint. Ultrasonography emerges
as a useful and efficient novel technique for detecting these disorders.
The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the technique presented here
are currently being determined.
