Radiologic assessment of the shoulder. Plain and arthrographic.

Five standard radiographic projections are useful in screening patients with shoulder complaints. Three are AP views: internal rotation, external rotation, and 100-degree abduction. The other two are the axillary and bicipital groove views. Single-contrast arthrography is valuable in diagnosing full-thickness rotator cuff tears, adhesive capsulitis, and lesions of the biceps. It also is useful in determining deep-surface, incomplete cuff tears and, occasionally, anterior instability.