Physicaltherapyscience.com- News - Bilateral magnetic resonance imaging findings in individuals with unilateral shoulder pain

Bilateral magnetic resonance imaging findings in individuals with unilateral shoulder pain

30-07-2019
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to diagnose structural abnormalities in the shoulder. Later findings, however, cannot be the cause of the symptoms. The aim of this study is to determine comparative MRI findings on both shoulders of individuals with unilateral shoulder complaints.

123 People from the community were prospectively evaluated who had self-reported unilateral shoulder pain with no signs of adhesive capsulitis, no substantial lack of movement, no history of upper limb fractures, no repeated shoulder dislocations, and no neck-related pain. Images in the coronal, sagittal and axial planes with T1, T2 and proton density sequences were generated and interpreted independently and randomly by 2 researchers: an orthopedic shoulder surgeon certified by a council and a musculoskeletal radiologist. Absolute and relative frequencies for each MRI finding were calculated and compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders.

Abnormal MRI findings are prevalent in both shoulders. According to the surgeon's findings, only the frequencies of complete cracks in the supraspinatus tendon and glenohumeral osteoarthritis were higher (about 10%) in the symptomatic shoulder. Similarity between the musculoskeletal radiologist and shoulder surgeon varied from mild to moderate (0.00-0.51).

Most abnormal MRI findings were not different in frequency between symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders. Doctors must be aware of the general anatomical findings with regard to MRI when considering diagnostics and treatment planning.

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