Accurate diagnosis may eliminate need for surgery
While the history of an injury and a physical exam can be effective in diagnosing a shoulder injury, your doctor may order a series of exams depending on the cause of your injury, the location of your pain and other symptoms. These may include X-Rays, Ultrasound, MRI, & CT exams. For active individuals or professional athletes, accurate diagnosis can eliminate the need for surgery in some cases, thereby shortening recovery time.
MRI - tool of choice for soft tissue injury diagnosis
MRI is the test of choice for diagnosing soft-tissue injuries and is often used for assessing ongoing pain which fails to respond to traditional treatment options such as rest, physiotherapy and medication. While X-Ray and CT are excellent tools for detecting bone injuries, they have limited value for patients with severe ligament or meniscal damage.
Soft tissue injuries such as tears of the rotator cuff, or inflammation are best seen by MRI. MRI is especially helpful if you have little or no range of motion in your shoulder. This means MRI can exquisitely detect rotator cuff tears, injuries to the biceps tendon and damage to the shoulder joints (such as the glenoid labrum).
A key benefit of MRI is that it allows physicians to diagnose and provide treatment options almost immediately. Your referring physician will receive a written report within 48 hours of your exam. A highly qualified radiologist interprets the images taken during your exam and indicates any important findings in the MRI report. The MRI report will provide important information that your doctor will use when deciding what steps are required for recovery. This many include one or a combination of the following: physiotherapy, rest, medication, or surgery.
Non-invasive, painless and safe
An MRI of the shoulder typically takes only 30 minutes. There is no special preparation required for an MRI. You will be asked to change into a comfortable two-piece scrub before your exam. Prior to having your MRI, a technologist will ask you a series of screening questions. You can listen to music on head phones during your scan to help you relax or just to pass the time.
After the MRI, you are free to leave and resume normal daily activities. Your report is sent to your referring physician and a copy will also be sent to your home. You may also request to take home a CD-Rom copy of your images after your exam.
X-Ray & CT - diagnosing bone injuries
X-Rays are often used as the first investigative tool for symptoms of tenderness in the bony areas of your shoulder or if there was significant trauma during an accident.
CT Scans may also be used if the X-Rays are unclear or if they suggest a fracture and more detail is required. CT scans take less than 20 minutes, require no preparation and are available as a fee-for-service option.
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