Shoulder diseases, including adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tear, and
osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, can significantly impair daily
activities in older adult patients. This review aims to examine the radiologic
findings associated with these shoulder conditions in older patients, providing
insights for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Adhesive capsulitis,
commonly known as frozen shoulder, leads to pain and restricted movement,
thereby causing shoulder dysfunction. Recent advances in diagnostic technology
have greatly enhanced the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosing this condition
through radiologic evaluations, including MRI, magnetic resonance arthrography
(MRA), and high-resolution ultrasound. Rotator cuff disease is another frequent
issue in older adults, with full-thickness tears occurring in 50%–80% of
cases. Both MRI and MRA are highly sensitive and specific in identifying rotator
cuff tears. Additionally, ultrasonography is recognized for its high sensitivity
and specificity in detecting tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Although
osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint is less commonly prevalent, its
advanced stages can severely affect the function of the upper extremity. Plain
radiography is typically the first imaging technique used to assess this type of
osteoarthritis. As the condition worsens, CT is utilized to measure glenoid bone
loss, glenoid version, and inclination, which are crucial for accurate surgical
planning. Each imaging modality provides distinct benefits: plain radiographs
for initial structural assessment, ultrasonography for real-time evaluation of
soft tissues, MRI/MRA for detailed visualization of capsular and tendinous
lesions, and CT for precise bony analysis.