From the case:
Shoulder ultrasound arm positions
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Arm positions used to undertake shoulder ultrasound:
- position 1 is with the patient's arm by their side, elbow at 90 degrees, and hand facing the ceiling. The hand can rest on the patient's thigh
- position 2 is with the hand and arm as in position 1, but with external rotation of the shoulder
- position 3 is with the patient's palm on their back pocket
- position 4 is with their hand across their chest, touching their contralateral shoulder
Case Discussion
Certain arm positions held by a patient will help the practitioner best visualize certain aspects of the shoulder and rotator cuff when performing shoulder ultrasound.
- position 1 is used to assess the proximal long head of biceps tendon in the arm and bicipital groove
- position 2 to assess the subscapularis tendon
- position 3 assesses the supraspinatus tendon
- position 4 evaluates the infraspinatus and teres minor tendons