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Ultrasound evaluation of the rotator interval and adjoining tendons in shoulders with restricted movements: a technical note describing a simplified shoulder position

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Abstract

The rotator interval (RI) is a critical but complex anatomical structure for which musculoskeletal ultrasound provides an excellent imaging evaluation. In the patients with restricted and painful movements, the RI may not be visualised optimally as the conventional ‘Modified Crass’ positions may not be achievable. It can also be difficult to optimally evaluate the anterior supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons in such patients. We describe a simple shoulder position obviating need of pronounced supraspinatus stretch for better evaluation of the rotator interval and adjoining rotator cuff structures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK

    Siddharth Thaker, Philip O’Connor & Harun Gupta

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  1. Siddharth Thaker
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  2. Philip O’Connor
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  3. Harun Gupta
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Correspondence to Harun Gupta.

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Thaker, S., O’Connor, P. & Gupta, H. Ultrasound evaluation of the rotator interval and adjoining tendons in shoulders with restricted movements: a technical note describing a simplified shoulder position. J Ultrasound 25, 115–119 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-020-00541-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-020-00541-z

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