Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Sonography (ultrasound examination) of the shoulder – to detect biceps tendon rupture, rotator cuff rupture, disease of the subacromial space (space between the bony acromion and the shoulder joint capsule), bursitis (bursitis), calcification (means of choice for shoulder problems after physical examination).
- X-rays of the shoulder in two or three planes – to detect a fracture, degenerative changes, calcium deposits, subluxation (incomplete dislocation of a joint), dislocation, evidence of inflammation or tumors.
- Computed tomography (CT; sectional imaging method (X-ray images from different directions with computer-based evaluation), particularly well suited for imaging bony injuries) of the shoulder – to examine bony structures (degeneration, fractures (bone fractures), tumors).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; computer-assisted cross-sectional imaging method (using magnetic fields, that is, without X-rays); particularly well suited for the presentation of soft tissue injuries) of the shoulder – for the examination of soft tissue structures (nerves, cartilage or tumors).
- Direct shoulder MR arthrography (shoulder MR with intra-articular (“into the joint cavity”) volume administration of a highly diluted MR contrast agent) – e.g. in all forms of instability (here: Tears or a detachment of the anteroinferior labrum (glenoid lip), with or without bony involvement), suspected internal impingement (shoulder tightness syndrome), rotator cuff integrity, identification of free intra-articular joint bodies, fine diagnosis of structural lesions such as cartilage ulcerations, etc. Note: Joint infection is a contraindication (contraindication) for arthrography.
