Key Takeaway
An MRI is most valuable when a rotator cuff tear, labral injury, or other soft tissue problem is suspected. If your shoulder pain started after a fall or impact, X-rays are typically ordered first to rule out fracture before proceeding to MRI.
What Can an MRI Show in the Shoulder?
- Rotator cuff tears — partial or full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, or teres minor tendons
- Tendinitis and tendinosis — inflammation or degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons
- Subacromial bursitis — inflammation of the bursa that cushions the rotator cuff
- Labral tears — tears of the cartilage rim around the shoulder socket
- Biceps tendon pathology — biceps tendinitis or tears at the tendon origin
- Cartilage damage — early or advanced glenohumeral arthritis
When Is an MRI Indicated?
- Shoulder pain that has persisted for 4 to 6 weeks or longer despite conservative care
- Shoulder weakness, particularly difficulty lifting the arm above shoulder level
- Night pain that disrupts sleep — a common symptom of rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder pain following a fall or acute injury
- Shoulder instability — a feeling of the joint slipping or giving way
When Is an X-Ray Done First?
X-rays are typically ordered first to rule out a fracture, assess for arthritis, evaluate bone alignment, or check for calcifications (calcific tendinitis). At Restore Orthopedics, we have on-site digital X-ray and MRI, so both studies can be completed in a single visit when indicated.
Shoulder Pain? Get an Expert Evaluation.
Our shoulder specialists can order and review on-site MRI at the same visit. Most insurance accepted. Same-week appointments available.