MRI SHOULDER

MRI Shoulder Overview

Introduction 

An MRI of the shoulder is a diagnostic technique that is performed without the need for surgery and generates detailed images of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues of the shoulder area. It employs powerful magnets and radio waves instead of radiation to aid in diagnosing shoulder injuries and other medical issues.  

What is MRI Shoulder? 

MRI scans of the shoulder require application of strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal structures of the shoulder. This method is especially beneficial in the assessment of soft tissue, joint, and certain types of bone lesions due to its high contrast resolution. 

Types of MRI Shoulders 

• Conventional MRI: Most used imaging technique for soft tissues and bone to look at in fine detail.  
• Contrast Enhanced MRI: Uses contrast solutions based on gadolinium to highlight specific areas like infected tissue and vascular lesions.  
• 3D MRI: Gives high quality images that can be used for surgical preparations. 

Parameters Considered During MRI Shoulders

• Condition of rotator cuff tendons. 
• Stability of joints with respect to labium injury. 
• Musculus structure and ligament. 
• Cysts, tumours and inflammatory processes if any. 
• Compression of a nerve or impingement. 

Reasons for Taking an MRI Shoulder

• Conjectured tendinous rotator cuff tear with tendinitis. 
• Labrum related injuries, instability, dislocation of shoulder, or tendon tears. 
• Arthritis along with infectious aetiology or lytic lesions of bones. 
• Assessment of physiological trauma like fractures. 
• Assessment before and after surgery. 

When and Who Needs an MRI Shoulder? 

Indications: 

• Pain in the shoulder joint that will not go away, stiffness, and limited range of motion 
• Possible damage to rotator cuffs, tendonitis, or labral tears 
• Shoulder dislocation in the past or too much shoulder mobility 
• Possible degeneration of the brachial plexus, nerve injury or brachial plexus injury 
• Presence of infections, tumours, and arthritis 
• Care after surgery and making sure everything is looking good 

Patient Demographics: 

• Athletes or anyone who performs overhead tasks on a regular basis 
• Patients who have chronic pain in their shoulders or have difficulty moving their arms but do not know why 
• Individuals who have suffered from trauma, dislocated, or fractured bones 
• Suffering from degenerative or inflammatory joint diseases. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Pain free and no usage of radiation. 
• Maximum clarity of bones and soft tissues. 
• Assist in planning treatment and diagnosing the problem at the right stage. 
• For Proper assessment of Shoulder Injuries. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Shoulder

• Supraspinatus tendon tear and elbow tendonitis. 
• Tendinopathy of shoulder blade. 
• Labrum tearing SLAP or lesions. 
• Osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases of the joints. 
• Fractures or lesions of bones and avascular necrosis. 
• Syndromes of compression of nerves brachial plexopathy. 

Preparing for MRI Shoulder

• Removal of metal jewellery and electronic gadgets. 
• Leave any tight clothing on. 
• Inform the technician of any working implants or pregnancy status. 
• If using contrast some fasting may be necessary. 

Pre-requisites 

• No previous allergy to the contrast material if MRI needs enhancement. 
• Releasing medicine for patients with anxiety or fear of closed spaces. 

Best Time for MRI Shoulder Scans 

• Whenever is convenient with adherence to doctor's advice. 
• Must be arranged a head of time to ensure all necessary resources are present. 

Eligibility 

Typically, acceptable for all patients apart from those with certain metal implants, pacemakers, or other devices that may restrict imaging. 

Procedure for Taking an MRI Shoulders: 

• The patient lies on the table, and the shoulder is placed in the scanner. 
• A coil is placed around the shoulder to improve quality of the pictures. 
• Magnetic fields and radio waves are used to take pictures, that's the function of the MRI scanner. 
• This process takes around 30-60 minutes. 
• If required, contrast may be injected. 

Cautions of Taking the Test 

• It is essential that the patient tells the radiologist about pregnancy, disorders of kidneys, and metal implants. 
• The body must not move during the scan to enhance image clarity.