Extended spectrum of shoulder diagnostics using CT

CT opens up new possibilities for the diagnosis of shoulder joint disease which go beyond just a third dimension for radiological assessment. Structural bone changes are revealed essentially better than by the X-ray picture, soft tissue can be scanned together with the bones, and assessed with regard to functional condition. CT also yields optical information on biomechanical factors of importance to shoulder joint stability. Nevertheless, CT cannot replace clinical examinations and conventional X-ray diagnosis, but in addition yields valuable differentiated data. (orig.)