MR imaging of shoulder impingement and rotator cuff disease

A number of imaging modalities, such as conventional radiography, arthrography, ultrasonography, and MR imaging, can be used in the evaluation of shoulder pain related to impingement, tendinosis, and rotator cuff tear. Of these techniques, only MR imaging provides anatomic information coupled with superior soft-tissue contrast. MR imaging of the shoulder effectively demonstrates a variety of morphologic abnormalities that may be associated with tendon degeneration. Rotator cuff tears are also well depicted and may be further characterized with regard to tendon involvement, degree of retraction, and secondary muscular atrophy.