MRI is sensitive to changes in the structure of the cartilage resulting from aging or injury making it particularly useful in evaluating the shoulder joint (also called the rotator cuff) and the associated AC joint (acromioclavicular joint).
It is also used to visualise injuries of the soft tissue surrounding the joint itself. Common pathologies of the rotator cuff demonstrate the presence of edema, tendon tears or bursitis on the MRI scan.
MRI is also a reliable technique to prove the presence of undisplaced fractures sometimes not seen on plain x-ray.
Pain in the shoulder or upper arm without previous injury to the shoulder can sometimes be referred pain from undiagnosed spine issues and be indicative for MRI of the C-spine (neck) to look for nerve impingement.
See MRI C-spine
Indications for a Shoulder MRI are often related to new or old injuries:
- Sports injuries (Fractures, dislocations, ligament and tendon tears/ruptures)
- Rotator Cuff Syndrome
- Pain in the shoulder or upper arm (acute or chronic)
- Loss of range of movement
- Tendon tears
- Bursitis
- Degenerative changes
- Injury or abnormality to muscle
- Arthritis
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye