Imaging of the shoulder in the aging athlete

The radiologic work-up of shoulder pain in the aging athlete should be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the patient and physician. The value of high quality plain radiographs cannot be over-emphasized. When a more sophisticated imagine is necessary, the choice between arthrography, ultrasound, or MRI imaging is not straightforward. Arthrography is an excellent test to demonstrate full rotator cuff tears. In competitive athletes, a more sophisticated look at the rotator cuff and adjacent structures may be desired, which can be satisfied by MR imaging.