What is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder?
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the organs and structures inside the body. An MRI can give your doctor information about your shoulder, the bones around it, and the tissues around it, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
When you have an MRI, you lie on a table and the table moves into the MRI machine.
Why is an MRI of the shoulder done?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder is done to:
- Check unexplained shoulder pain.
- Find problems in the shoulder, such as arthritis, bone tumors, worn-out cartilage, torn ligaments, torn tendons, or infection. An MRI can detect tears in the cartilage (labrum) in the shoulder. Labral tears often are caused by injury and can lead to shoulder pain.
- Find rotator cuff disorders, including tears and impingement.
MRI may also help diagnose a bone fracture when X-rays and other tests are not clear. MRI is done more commonly than other tests to check for certain bone and joint problems.
How is an MRI of the shoulder done?
- You may have contrast material (dye) put into your arm through a tube called an I.V.
- You will lie on a table that's part of the MRI scanner.
- The table will slide into the space that contains the magnet.
- Inside the scanner, you will hear a fan and feel air moving. You may hear tapping, thumping, or snapping noises. You may be given earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise.
- You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
- You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch through a window and talk with you during the test.
How do you prepare for an MRI of the shoulder?
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home.
What do the results of an MRI of the shoulder mean?
The radiologist may discuss early results of the MRI with you right after the test. Complete results are usually ready for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.
An MRI scan can sometimes find a problem in a tissue or organ, even when the size and shape of the tissue or organ looks normal.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder
Normal:
- The muscles, tendons, bones, and joints look normal in size, shape, and location.
- No growths, such as tumors, are present.
- No cartilage problems or tears, broken bones (fractures), or loose bodies are present.
- No rotator cuff injury or tear is present.
- No signs of inflammation or infection are present.
Abnormal:
- A growth, such as a tumor, inflammation, or infection in the bone or joint, is present.
- A collection of fluid is found, which could mean you have an infection.
- Damage to ligaments, tendons, or cartilage is present.
- Joint damage is present, and bones may show signs of disease or fracture.
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