Xray
X-ray projectional radiography cannot directly reveal tears of the rotator cuff, a soft tissue, and consequently, normal X-rays cannot exclude a damaged cuff. However, indirect evidence of pathology may be seen in instances where one or more of the tendons have undergone degenerative calcification (calcific tendinitis). The humeral head may migrate upwards (high-riding humeral head) secondary to tears of the infraspinatus, or combined tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The migration can be measured by the distance between:

A line crossing the center of a line between the superior and inferior rims of the glenoid articular surface (blue in image). The center of a "best-fit" circle positioned over the humeral articular surface (green in image)Normally, the former is positioned inferiorly to the latter, and a reversal is therefore indicating a rotator cuff tear. Prolonged contact between a high-riding humeral head and the acromion above it, may lead to X-rays findings of wear on the humeral head and acromion and secondary degenerative arthritis of the glenohumeral joint (the ball and socket joint of the shoulder), called cuff arthropathy, may follow. Incidental X-ray findings of bone spurs at the adjacent acromioclavicular joint may show a bone spur growing from the outer edge of the clavicle downwards towards the rotator cuff. Spurs may also be seen on the underside of the acromion, once thought to cause direct fraying of the rotator cuff from contact friction, a concept currently regarded as controversial.
Serositis refers to inflammation of the serous tissues of the body, the tissues lining the lungs (pleura), heart (pericardium), and the inner lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) and organs within. It is commonly found with fat wrapping or creeping fat. Causes
Serositis is seen in numerous conditions:
Lupus erythematosus (SLE), for which it is one of the criteria,
Rheumatoid arthritis
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)
Chronic kidney failure / Uremia
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Inflammatory bowel disease (especially Crohns disease)
Acute appendicitis
Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

See also
Hyaloserositis

References


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