Shoulder Cuff Tears in Athletes: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly rotator cuff tears, are common in sport and can significantly impact athletes' performance and recovery. The rotator cuff stabilizes the glenohumeral joint, with the supraspinatus muscle the most susceptible to injury due to its central role in abduction and stabilization. Rotator cuff tears in athletes are in general the result of chronic microtrauma in an overused shoulder, but they can result after direct acute trauma. Sports-specific movements, such as overhead throwing, repetitive abduction, or heavy lifting, predispose athletes to different injury patterns. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of rotator cuff tears, providing detailed insight into tendon integrity, muscle changes, and associated labral or bone pathology. Return-to-play decisions depend on the severity of the injury, the management approach, and complex multidisciplinary considerations. Rehabilitation protocols are critical, with most athletes returning to sport, often at preinjury levels.