Deep Dive into Shoulder Imaging 2024 (ARR course)

Date of Original Release: October 2024

This course will focus on advancements in shoulder imaging and its applications. The first half of the course will cover the use of imaging in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff pathology, glenohumeral joint instability, and inflammatory conditions. It will emphasize the strengths and limitations of various imaging modalities and their role in preoperative planning, postoperative evaluation, and long-term follow-up. The second half will highlight pediatric shoulder imaging, contrasting it with adult cases, and address diagnostic challenges related to tumors and tumor-like conditions. Lectures are designed for musculoskeletal learners and will include detailed case studies to enhance interpretative skills and clinical decision-making in shoulder imaging.

Learning Outcomes and Modules

After completing this course, the learner should be able to:

• Identify the most suitable imaging studies for various shoulder conditions, understanding the indications, strengths, and limitations of different modalities such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT, and selecting the appropriate imaging technique based on the clinical scenario.
• Recognize imaging features of rotator cuff pathologies, ranging from tendinosis to full-thickness tears and rotator cuff arthropathy.
• Understand imaging protocols and findings associated with shoulder arthroplasty, including preoperative planning, postoperative evaluation, long-term follow-up, and the identification of common complications related to shoulder implants.
• Diagnose inflammatory conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis, and differentiate between benign and malignant shoulder tumors using imaging.

Module 1

• Imaging the Shoulder – X-ray and Beyond—Connie Youhua Chang, MD
• Rotator Cuff: Tendinosis to Arthropathy—Christine B. Chung, MD
• Shoulder Arthroplasty – All You Need to Know—Alice S. Ha, MD
• Miscellaneous Conditions Shoulder – Inflammation to Tumor—Hakan Ilaslan, MD

Module 2

• GHJ Instability – Labral Characterization—Michael J. Tuite, MD
• GHJ Instability – Bipolar Assessment—Soterios Gyftopoulos, MD
• Pediatric Shoulder – Not Just a Small Adult—Jie C. Nguyen, MD
• GHJ Case-Based Session – Aunt Minnie or DDX—Karen Y.T. Cheng, MD