MRI of rotator cuff tendon tears : an introduction : part 2 : description and relevant associated findings

Abstract

The commonest clinical indication for referring a patient to undergo shoulder magnetic resonance imaging is a suspicion of possible rotator cuff injury. In addition to diagnosing the presence or otherwise of an actual tear and assessing the surrounding soft tissue and skeletal structures, the radiologist’s role is to convey diagnostically and prognostically useful information that helps referring clinicians devise optimal management plans for their patients. A short description of how MR imaging of the shoulder is acquired, in addition to relevant MR rotator cuff tendon anatomy, was the focus of part 1, whereas this article shall describe rotator cuff tendon tears in detail.