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Acromioclavicular joint – longitudinal

Patient Positioning

Patient seated on a revolving stool, arm in slight internal rotation. Elbow flexed (90°), palm up.

Probe Positioning

On the top of the shoulder in a coronal plane over the acromioclavicular joint. Following the clavicle from medial to lateral the joint is easily found. Scan the entire joint by moving the transducer anteriorly and posteriorly. Look for intraarticular effusion or bulging of the acromioclavicular ligament, calcification and irregularities of the visible joint surfaces.

Shoulder anterior view
Sonogram: Shoulder superior acromioclavicular joint longitudinal
Sonogram: Shoulder superior acromioclavicular joint longitudinal

Note: Only the upper part of the joint can be inspected by ultrasound.