Ultrasound of the shoulder

Ultrasound of the shoulder can show thickening, thinning and tears in the supraspinatus tendon, and can thereby distinguish between tendinopathy, partial tears and complete ruptures. The examination is combined with a conversation and a clinical examination. You do not need a referral to book an appointment.

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What is diagnostic ultrasound?

Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the body's tissue in real time. The examination is always combined with a thorough conversation and a clinical examination. The clinician can also compare with the healthy side, examine in motion and rescan along the way.

What can ultrasound not decide alone?

Pain and tissue changes do not always go together. Some tendons with changes cause no pain, and some tendons that look normal are painful. Imaging findings must therefore be read together with the history and the clinical examination.

A review article on shoulder ultrasound concludes that the method is reliable when performed by experienced examiners. Sound waves do not pass through bone, and deep structures in the joints are often better assessed with MRI or X-ray.

Who performs the examination, and what does it cost?

At Dr.Dropin, ultrasound is performed by licensed healthcare professionals with further education in diagnostic ultrasound of the musculoskeletal system. Physiotherapists and chiropractors use ultrasound as a tool in the examination.

An ultrasound examination costs NOK 1,395. All injections at Dr.Dropin are ultrasound-guided, with a medical doctor present at the clinic, and are considered after a clinical examination.

Frequently asked questions about ultrasound of the shoulder

What can ultrasound show in the shoulder?

For the supraspinatus tendon, ultrasound can show thickening, thinning and tears. The findings are interpreted together with the symptoms.

Do I need a referral for shoulder ultrasound?

No, you do not need a GP referral to book an appointment.

Is ultrasound better than MRI?

They have different uses. Ultrasound is particularly well suited to structures close to the skin, while MRI is often used when deep structures are to be assessed.

Clinical responsibility

Daniel Vestøl is clinically and medically responsible at Dr.Dropin Fysikalske. This page gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.