Determining normal ultrasound values of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles

Abstract

Sonographic investigations concerning thickness of tendons (in longitudinal sections) and muscles (in resting position and isometric contraction) were performed on 60 volunteers without shoulder complaints. Increase in muscle thickness within isometric contraction did not depend on thickness in resting position. There was no side difference in tendon thickness. Since the observed values (median 4-5 mm) were far below measurements cited in the greater part of literature, we tried to verify our data by sonographic and anatomic examination of shoulders of corpses. We conclude that, by standardising, thickness measurement of tendons and muscles might become more important in diagnosis of shoulder complaints.