Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic (US) findings in the shoulder impingement syndrome and to correlate them with the Hawkins and Kennedy's clinical stages.

Method: 41 patients with suspected shoulder impingement syndrome were evaluated. All patients were divided into 3 clinical groups according to Hawkins and Kennedy and US examination was done in each group.

Results: US findings were as follows. In stage I, there were 3 normal findings, 5 tendinitis of the rotator cuff (RC), 2 partial thickness tear of RC, and 0 full thickness tear of RC. In stage II, 6 normal findings, 13 tendinitis of RC, 3 partial thickness tear of RC and 2 full thickness tear of RC. In stage III, 0 normal findings, 1 tendinitids of RC, 1 partial thickness tear of RC, and 5 full thickness tear of RC.

The most common findings in the tendinits of RC were tendon thickness, focal hypoechogenicity and calcification. In partial thickness tear of RC, focal hypoechogenicity and impingement in abduction were most common findings. In full thickness tear of RC, the irregular humeral head surface and the biceps tendon effusion were most common findings

Conclusion: The ultrasonography is a valuable means of evaluating the shoulder impingement syndrome and its findings have good correlation with clinical stages