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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2022; 26(03): 258-270
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743403
Review Article

Posttreatment Imaging of the Shoulder

Dr. Christoph Schäffeler
1   Department of Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Grisons, Chur, Switzerland
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Abstract

The shoulder joint is vulnerable for injuries following trauma and in the context of sporting activities. Degenerative rotator cuff disease is also a common entity. Conservative therapy is often not indicated or does not lead to the desired success, so surgical intervention is necessary. Routine follow-ups, but also persistent complaints, delayed healing, or recurrent trauma, usually need postoperative imaging of the shoulder. The choice of the adequate imaging modality and technique is important to reach the correct diagnosis. Additionally, knowledge of the most common surgical procedures, as well as typical normal findings and expected pathologies on different imaging modalities, is crucial for the radiologist to play a relevant role in the postoperative diagnostic process. This article addresses postoperative imaging after rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroplasty, and surgery for shoulder stabilization with an emphasis on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Keywords

shoulder - imaging - rotator cuff repair - instability - postoperative imaging


Publication History

Article published online:
02 June 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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