MRI SHOULDER WITHOUT CONTRAST
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
What is MRI Shoulder Without Contrast?
An MRI shoulder without contrast is a magnetic-resonance imaging test that maps the soft tissues and bones of your shoulder using powerful magnets and radio waves—no intravenous dye required.
Key Benefits vs MRI with Contrast
- Zero contrast dye—ideal for patients with kidney issues or dye allergies
- Faster appointment slots—no pre-hydration or post-scan observation
- Lower cost—saves up to 30 % compared with contrast-enhanced studies
- Same diagnostic accuracy for most common shoulder conditions
List of Parameters
- Rotator Cuff Tendons—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis
- Labrum & Ligaments—anterior, posterior, and superior labrum; glenohumeral ligaments
- Bones & Cartilage—humeral head, glenoid, acromion, articular cartilage thickness
- Fluid Collections—joint effusion, bursal fluid, ganglion cysts
Why This Test
Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Tear
High-resolution T2 images reveal tendon discontinuity, retraction, and muscle atrophy.
Evaluating Shoulder Impingement
Measures acromial shape, subacromial space, and bursal thickening.
Investigating Persistent Shoulder Pain
Rules out occult fractures, cartilage lesions, or early avascular necrosis.
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- High-resolution imaging without radiation—safe for repeated follow-ups
- Same-day appointment & fast reports—book online, walk out with digital films in 24 hours
- Cost-effective at Cadabams Diagnostics—packages start at ₹3,500; insurance cashless approved
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Shoulder Without Contrast.
- Rotator Cuff Tear—partial or full-thickness
- Labral Tears—Bankart, SLAP, posterior
- Bursitis & Tendinitis—subacromial or subdeltoid bursitis, calcific tendinitis
- Frozen Shoulder—capsular thickening and restricted joint volume
Preparing for test
Pre-requisites
- Remove all metallic jewellery, watches, and hairpins
- Inform staff of any implants, tattoos, or pregnancy
- Wear loose cotton clothing or change into Cadabams gown
Best Time to Take the Test
Morning slots reduce waiting time and allow same-day report collection.
Eligibility
- Adults and children > 5 years
- No fasting required
- Kidney-function tests not needed (no contrast)
Procedure for Taking a MRI Shoulder Without Contrast
- Check-in at reception with doctor’s prescription
- Complete safety questionnaire
- Lie supine with shoulder in dedicated coil; keep still for 15–20 min
- Listen to music or watch calming visuals via in-bore screen
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Notify technologist if you experience claustrophobia—Cadabams offers open-MRI or mild sedation on request
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Finding / Observation | Description (What Radiologists Look For) | General Interpretation / Significance |
---|---|---|
High T2 signal in supraspinatus tendon | Bright line within tendon | Possible partial tear |
Irregular labral contour | Labrum appears frayed | Labral tear or degeneration |
Subacromial bursal fluid | Bright stripe above rotator cuff | Bursitis or impingement |
Humeral head cartilage thinning | Dark band < 2 mm | Early osteoarthritis |
Joint capsule thickening | Capsule > 4 mm | Adhesive capsulitis |
Biceps Tendon (Long Head) | Assess position in bicipital groove, signal intensity, partial tears, tendinosis, or tenosynovitis (fluid around tendon sheath). | Pathology here is common with rotator cuff disease and contributes to anterior shoulder pain. |
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint | Examine for joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral cysts, bone edema, and distal clavicle osteolysis. | Suggests degenerative arthropathy or impingement syndrome, and may correlate with pain during overhead activity. |
Soft Tissues (Muscles, Fat Planes) | Evaluate for muscle edema, atrophy, tears, or fatty infiltration. Assess surrounding fat planes for fluid collections or masses. | Reflects muscle injury or chronic denervation. Fatty atrophy often correlates with longstanding tendon tears. |
Risks & Limitations
MRI Safety Considerations
- No radiation—safe for children and pregnant women (after first trimester)
- Metal implants—pacemakers, cochlear implants, or older aneurysm clips may be contraindicated
- Claustrophobia—discuss open-MRI or mild sedation options with Cadabams staff
Limitations in Detecting Certain Conditions
- Small labral fraying may be missed without arthroscopy correlation
- Active synovitis is better visualised with contrast in rare cases
- Micro-fractures may require a CT scan for complete evaluation
FAQs
How long does the scan take?
15–20 minutes for routine sequences.
Is the procedure painful?
No. You may feel mild warmth; no injections or contrast.
When will I receive my report?
Within 24 hours; urgent reports in 2 hours at Cadabams Diagnostics.
Can I eat or drink before the scan?
Yes—no fasting required for MRI shoulder without contrast.
Will insurance cover this test?
Most policies cover it; Cadabams offers cashless approval in 30 minutes.
How much does an MRI Shoulder Without Contrast cost?
The mri shoulder without contrast cost can vary based on several factors, including geographic location, the specifics of the imaging protocol, and your insurance coverage. For detailed information regarding the cost of an MRI Shoulder Without Contrast at Cadabams Diagnostics, and to understand what your insurance may cover, please:
* Contact our billing department directly at Cadabams Diagnostics.
* Visit our website for general information or contact details.
* Speak with your insurance provider to understand your out-of-pocket expenses.
We are happy to provide you with as much clarity as possible regarding the mri shoulder without contrast cost.