(iii) Imaging of shoulder pathology

The shoulder is a complex joint with numerous structures contributing to mobility and stability. Shoulder pain is a common clinical complaint that may be due to a wide spectrum of disorders, including rotator cuff disease, instability and arthropathy. Conditions extrinsic to the joint such as cervical spine disease, neurovascular disease and neoplasm may also mimic shoulder pathology. Imaging therefore plays an important role in the assessment and management of suspected shoulder problems. This article will outline the imaging of common causes of the painful shoulder.