X-ray will provide information about degenerative and inflammatory changes. High resolution sonography can detect synovial proliferation and hypervascularity due to rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases. MRI can visualise articular cartilage, and is frequently used to examine shoulder, knee, wrist and other joints. MRI is also able to detect early pathological changes in the joints and surrounding capsula, ligaments and tendons.
Ultrasound is also used for shoulder-joint examinations, and for all practical purposes is equal to MRI in this location
