Frozen Shoulder MRI

Effectiveness of Frozen Shoulder MRI

MRI scans are the images of the organs and structures of the human body taken with the help of an MRI scanner using the technique of magnetic resonance imaging. MRI scans can show bones, tissues, muscles, and nerves in great detail. These MRI scans are then studied by professionals to identify the defects or injuries in the body and diagnose the diseases. Unlike an x- ray or CT scan there are no radiations in an MRI scan, and thus it is not harmful to the body. Magnetic and radio waves are used to generate these MRI scans.

MRI of Frozen Shoulder

The magnetic field in an MRI scanner attracts metal objects; hence MRI scans are not suitable for patients with metal implants in their body. This includes patients with metal rods and pins in their bones, pacemaker, metal prosthetic valves in the heart or a metallic body in their ear or eye. Before the scan, patients are strictly advised to remove all the metal accessories from their body and clothing.

The MRI scan does not take long. It does not require an overnight stay in the hospital and can be done in a very short while. No anesthesia is required for the scan, although some patients are given mild medications or sedation to ensure they are relaxed in case it requires a long time. Patients can perform their normal activities after the scan is over.

MRI effectively demonstrates the rotator interval and the axillary recess, which are sites commonly affected by frozen shoulder. The rotator interval lies between the supraspinatus muscle and tendon posterosuperiorly and the subscapularis muscle and tendon anteroinferiorly. The rotator interval capsule is composed of the coracohumeral ligament and the superior glenohumeral ligament. The coracohumeral ligament is readily identified on sagital and coronal T1-weighted or T2-weighted FSE images as a curvilinear low signal structure surrounded by fat.

The MRI findings that suggest frozen shoulder include soft tissue thickening in the rotator interval, which may encase the coracohumeral and superior glenohumeral ligaments, and soft tissue thickening adjacent to the biceps anchor. A thickened inferior glenohumeral ligament greater than 4 mm is often seen in the axillary pouch. Loss of definition of the inferior capsule secondary to edema and synovitis may also be demonstrated. MRI Arthography has also been utilized as a means of making the diagnosis of frozen shoulder.