title: Ultrasonography as a diagnostic modality in acromioclavicular joint pathologies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ultrasound is useful in detecting acromioclavicular pathologies in cases of trauma, inflammations and degenerative changes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the sonographic findings of acromioclavicular joint pathology in patients with anterior shoulder pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sonographic examination of the ACJ was used to examine 30 adults with anterior shoulder pain. As a control group we studied 30 asymptomatic patients and compared the findings to plain radiographs of the symptomatic group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pathologic findings consisted of swelling of the joints, bone irregularities, widening and/or narrowing of the ACJ, soft tissue cyst formation, excessive fluid collection, and calcification. All these signs represent degenerative changes compatible with early osteoarthritis. We encountered one case of septic arthritis that required joint aspiration and antibiotic treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is our belief that ultrasonography should be used routinely in cases of anterior shoulder pain since it demonstrates various pathologies undetected by plain radiographs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. blankali@zahav.net.il
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blankstein
authors.forename: Avraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ganel
authors.forename: Uri
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Givon
authors.forename: Israel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Dudkiewicz
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Diamant
authors.forename: Aharon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chechik
mesh_terms: D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography