Imaging of the postoperative shoulder.

Imaging plays an important role in evaluation of the shoulder after surgery. In addition to being familiar with the underlying pathologic condition that leads to surgery, it is just as important to have a general understanding of the surgical procedure because it explains the expected postoperative imaging findings. Identification of postoperative complications with imaging is also improved with this information. This article reviews some of the more common surgeries of the shoulder, including rotator cuff repair, acromioplasty, labral repair, Hill-Sachs impaction fracture and glenoid bone augmentation, acromioclavicular joint repair, and shoulder arthroplasty. Each respective surgical technique is briefly reviewed, followed by discussion and examples of normal postoperative appearances and common postoperative complications. Knowledge of these common procedures and their expected postoperative imaging findings will allow an accurate assessment of complications. © Thieme Medical Publishers.