MRI Shoulder - Overview & Technique

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder is a test done with a large machine that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the shoulder. Muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and other joint structures are best seen with an MRI. In many cases MRI gives information about structures in the body that cannot be seen as well with an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan. For an MRI test, you are placed inside the magnet so that your shoulder is inside the strong magnetic field. MRI can find changes in the structure of organs or other tissues. It also can find tissue damage or disease, such as infection or a tumor. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital images that can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. The images also can be reviewed remotely, such as in a clinic or an operating room.

Shoulder MRI - Alternative Names and Explanations

MRI - shoulder; Magnetic resonance imaging - shoulder, MRI Upper Ext. Jnt. (shoulder/elbow/wrist) w/o contrast 73221, MRI Upper Ext. Jnt. (shoulder/elbow/wrist) with contrast 73222, MRI Upper Ext. Jnt.(shoulder/elbow/wrist) with & w/o contrast 73223

MRI Shoulder- Benefits versus Other Diagnostic Tests

• An MRI does not use radiation, which puts the patient at a low risk for cancer. Because the magnetic fields are so powerful, MRIs can detect many conditions early, including cancer. Since the scan is painless and non-invasive, many patients return to work or school immediately after the scan.
• MRI scans are a great resource when it comes to diagnosing your shoulder pain because, unlike x-rays, they allow you to see all parts of your shoulder including muscles, tendons and bone.
• MRI is appropriate for evaluation of soft tissue (Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons ligaments, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and synovial tissues).
• MRI may also help diagnosis 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.

MRI Shoulder - Common Positive Findings

• Arthritis in the shoulder joint
• Axillary nerve dysfunction (loss of movement or feeling in the shoulder due to nerve damage)
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Broken or fractured shoulder bone
• Bursitis in the shoulder area
• Dislocated shoulder
• Shoulder instability/labral tear
• Osteonecrosis (vascular necrosis)
• Rotator cuff tear
• Rotator cuff tendinitis
• Shoulder inflammation (frozen shoulder)
• Tumor (including cancer)
• Evaluation of avascular necrosis in the humeral head.
• External rotation pain or weakness.
• Impingement signs.
• Loss of abduction.
• Persistent pain with activity

Shoulder MRI - Images

MRI Shoulder - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your Shoulder MRI Today! 

• If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

• If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

• If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.

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• MRI of the shoulder, shoulder mri, los angeles, beverly hills, glendale
• Shoulder MRI information including overview, technique, alternatives, benefits, and common findings. Schedule an MRI of the shoulder in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Glendale.
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