Obligatory medical device diagnostics.
- Radiographs of the shoulder joint, in two planes.
- Joint space narrowing
- Formation of caudal (“downward”) osteophytes (new bone formations) at the humeral head (upper end of the humerus)
- Cranial (“towards the head”) and caudal osteophytes on the glenoid (glenoid cavity of the shoulder joint)
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Computed tomography (CT; sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation)) – for more accurate osseous imaging.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; computer-based cross-sectional imaging method (using magnetic fields, i.e., without X-rays)) – for evaluation of the rotator cuff (group of four muscles and their tendons that form the roof of the shoulder joint); diagnosis of glenohumeral cartilage damage [first-line method].
- Arthroscopy of the shoulder joint (arthroscopy) – If necessary, small tissue samples of the damaged cartilage or synovial fluid (synovial fluid) are taken and examined in the laboratory. If loose bone fragments or cartilage pieces are found during the examination, they can be removed by lavage (irrigation) during the same procedure.
- Arthrosonography – as additional imaging.