title: [Ultrasonography of the shoulder: the acromioclavicular joint].
abstract: In 95% of the patients complaining of shoulder pain, pain is consequent to mechanical impingement of the coraco-acromial arch on the rotator cuff. Acromioclavicular joint conditions play a major role (well over 50%) in initiating the process. This study was aimed at assessing the value of acromioclavicular investigations during shoulder US studies. September 1992 to September 1993, a hundred and seventy-four patients with shoulder pain underwent US exams of both shoulders and acromioclavicular joints. In 62% of patients rotator cuff tears (from less to more severe) were demonstrated, in 48% biceps tendon conditions (effusion, tendonitis, dislocation or tear) and in 31% aspecific degenerative changes of the rotator cuff. Three acromioclavicular joint cysts, a clavicular fracture and an acromioclavicular dislocation were also observed. The patients with US patterns of acromioclavicular conditions were 105 (60%); in 38% of cases, only capsular hypertrophy due to joint degeneration was observed. In 22% of cases the latter was associated with arthrosis-like changes of the articular rim. In 63% of cases rotator cuff tears were associated and in 37% of cases there were aspecific degenerative cuff changes. The authors believe that, especially in the latter cases, acromioclavicular joint US can be a useful approach to diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Radiologia, Ospedale de Gironcoli, Conegliano Veneto, Treviso.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carretta
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: De Nicola
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gongolo
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liberati
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Villabruna
mesh_terms: D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012782:Shoulder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013717:Tenosynovitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
vernacular_title: Ecografia della spalla: l'articolazione acromio-claveare.