Course Description

The SonoSkills Expert MSK Ultrasound of the Shoulder Girdle – Level 3 is an advanced online education program designed for healthcare professionals seeking to develop expert-level skills in musculoskeletal ultrasound of the shoulder.

The course provides a structured approach to shoulder ultrasound scanning, functional sonoanatomy, clinical examination, and pathology recognition. Participants learn how to perform a standardized examination of the complete shoulder girdle and interpret ultrasound findings across a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Through four comprehensive modules, the program covers the anatomy and ultrasound assessment of the anterior, superior, dorsal, inferior, and scapulothoracic regions of the shoulder, as well as the glenohumeral joint and peripheral nerves.

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Perform a standardized ultrasound examination of the shoulder girdle.
• Understand the three-dimensional functional sonoanatomy of the shoulder.
• Identify and assess the major tendons, muscles, ligaments, joints, bursae, and nerves.
• Apply systematic ultrasound scanning techniques to different regions of the shoulder.
• Recognize and characterize common and complex shoulder pathologies.
• Integrate ultrasound findings with clinical examination.
• Develop a structured approach to musculoskeletal ultrasound diagnosis.

Course Structure

The program is divided into four comprehensive modules:

1. Ventral Shoulder
2. SASD Bursa and Supraspinatus
3. Superior, Dorsal and Inferior Shoulder
4. Glenohumeral Joint, Nerves and Scapulothoracic Joint

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Module 1: Ventral Shoulder

This module provides detailed instruction in the sonoanatomy and ultrasound examination of the anterior shoulder.

Anatomy and Ultrasound Assessment

Participants will learn how to identify and systematically scan:

• Long head of the biceps
• Short head of the biceps
• Pectoralis major
• Pectoralis minor
• Subscapularis
• Rotator interval
• Superior glenohumeral ligament
• Coracohumeral ligament
• Coracoid process
• Coracobrachialis
• Coracoacromial ligament
• Coracoclavicular ligaments
• Coracohumeral distance
• Subcoracoid bursa
• Subscapularis bursa
• Additional relevant anatomical structures

Pathology Recognition

The module covers standardized recognition of a range of pathological findings, including:

• Tendinopathy
• Tenosynovitis
• Partial tendon tears
• Full-thickness and partial-width tendon tears
• Complete tendon tears
• Tendon dislocation
• Muscle injuries
• Musculotendinous junction injuries
• Joint effusion
• Bursitis
• Impingement
• Ligament tears
• Shoulder instability
• Calcification
• Frozen shoulder
• Additional shoulder pathologies

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Module 2: SASD Bursa and Supraspinatus

This module focuses on the subacromial/subdeltoid bursa, supraspinatus, rotator cuff, and related structures, providing a detailed approach to both normal anatomy and pathological findings.

Anatomy and Ultrasound Assessment

Participants will learn to identify and assess:

• Subacromial/subdeltoid bursa
• Supraspinatus tendon
• Supraspinatus muscle
• Infraspinatus tendon
• Rotator interval
• Rotator cable
• Anterior cylindrical bundle
• Acromiohumeral distance
• Additional relevant structures

Pathology Recognition

The module addresses ultrasound findings associated with:

• Tendinopathy
• Partial rotator cuff tears
• Full-thickness and partial-width rotator cuff tears
• Complete rotator cuff tears
• Massive rotator cuff tears
• Rotator cuff impingement
• Muscle injuries
• Fatty infiltration
• Bursitis
• Postoperative rotator cuff assessment
• Additional rotator cuff and shoulder abnormalities

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Module 3: Superior, Dorsal and Inferior Shoulder

This module expands the examination to the superior, posterior, and inferior regions of the shoulder girdle.

Anatomy and Ultrasound Assessment

The course covers the ultrasound examination of:

• Acromioclavicular joint
• Sternoclavicular joint
• Clavicle
• Infraspinatus tendon
• Infraspinatus muscle
• Teres minor tendon
• Teres minor muscle
• Axilla
• Axillary recess
• Latissimus dorsi
• Teres major
• Additional anatomical structures

Pathology Recognition

Participants will learn to recognize and assess:

• Tendinopathy
• Partial rotator cuff tears
• Full-thickness and partial-width tears
• Complete rotator cuff tears
• Massive rotator cuff tears
• Rotator cuff impingement
• Calcification
• Muscle injuries
• Fatty infiltration
• Muscle atrophy
• Ganglion cysts
• Neovascularization
• Osteoarthritis
• Geyser sign
• Traumatic instability
• Fractures
• Additional shoulder abnormalities

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Module 4: Glenohumeral Joint, Nerves and Scapulothoracic Joint

The final module provides an advanced examination of the glenohumeral joint, labrum, peripheral nerves, and scapulothoracic region.

Anatomy and Ultrasound Assessment

Participants will learn systematic ultrasound approaches to:

• Glenohumeral joint — anterior approach
• Glenohumeral joint — posterior approach
• Glenohumeral joint — superior approach
• Glenohumeral joint — inferior approach
• Anterior glenoid labrum
• Posterior glenoid labrum
• Superior glenoid labrum
• Inferior glenoid labrum
• Brachial plexus
• Supraclavicular nerve
• Suprascapular nerve
• Axillary nerve
• Quadrilateral space
• Supraspinous notch
• Spinoglenoid notch
• Serratus anterior muscle
• Upper, middle, and lower trapezius
• Rhomboid muscles
• Levator scapulae
• Additional structures of the scapulothoracic region

Pathology Recognition

The module covers standardized ultrasound assessment of:

• Osteoarthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder instability
• Dislocation
• Subluxation
• Joint effusion
• Synovitis
• Fractures
• Labral pathology
• Nerve entrapment
• Nerve injuries
• Muscle atrophy
• Muscle impairment
• Additional glenohumeral, neurological, and scapulothoracic abnormalities

Key Benefits of the Course

The SonoSkills Level 3 program provides an advanced and systematic approach to shoulder MSK ultrasound. The course is designed to help learners:

• Develop comprehensive knowledge of shoulder sonoanatomy.
• Perform standardized shoulder ultrasound examinations.
• Improve identification of normal anatomical structures.
• Recognize subtle and complex pathological findings.
• Assess tendons, muscles, joints, ligaments, bursae, and nerves.
• Apply ultrasound findings to clinical examination.
• Improve diagnostic confidence in shoulder disorders.
• Develop advanced skills applicable to clinical musculoskeletal practice.

Course Highlights

Advanced Shoulder Ultrasound Training
Comprehensive coverage of the complete shoulder girdle and its associated anatomical structures.

Four Structured Modules
A progressive learning pathway covering the ventral shoulder, rotator cuff region, superior and posterior shoulder, and glenohumeral and scapulothoracic regions.

Sonoanatomy and Pathology
Detailed instruction combines normal anatomy with recognition of a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Standardized Scanning Approach
Learn systematic examination techniques that can be applied consistently in clinical practice.

Clinical Integration
Connect ultrasound findings with clinical examination and the assessment of common and complex shoulder conditions.

Target Audience

This advanced course is suitable for healthcare professionals who use or intend to use musculoskeletal ultrasound in clinical practice, including:

• Radiologists
• Sports medicine physicians
• Orthopedic clinicians
• Rheumatologists
• Physiotherapists
• Sonographers
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound practitioners
• Sports medicine professionals
• Other healthcare professionals involved in the assessment and management of shoulder disorders

Course Summary

SonoSkills Expert MSK Ultrasound of the Shoulder Girdle – Level 3 offers comprehensive advanced training in the ultrasound assessment of the shoulder. From the biceps, subscapularis, rotator cuff, and bursae to the glenohumeral joint, labrum, peripheral nerves, and scapulothoracic structures, the program provides a systematic framework for evaluating shoulder anatomy and pathology.

The four-module structure enables participants to build a detailed understanding of shoulder sonoanatomy, standardized scanning techniques, clinical examination, and MSK ultrasound pathology recognition, making it a valuable resource for clinicians seeking to advance their expertise in diagnostic shoulder ultrasound.