Key result
MRI findings of rotator cuff abnormalities may represent anatomic variants or incidental findings, requiring clinical correlation with history and physical examination to identify true pathology.
MRI findings of rotator cuff abnormalities must be correlated with clinical history and physical examination to distinguish true pathology from incidental findings.
Clinical correlation essential for rotator cuff MRI to avoid overdiagnosis; leaves open optimal thresholds distinguishing variants from pathology.
MRI has become an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of rotator cuff pathology and the technology continues to evolve. Direct MR arthrography, diagnosis-specific sequencing such as fat suppression, special positioning such as abducted externally rotated (ABER) views and ultra high field magnets allow for an unprecedented level of detail in imaging. In this article, we review MRI findings in patients with rotator cuff abnormalities that are anatomic variants or incidental findings. Although MRI findings may be diagnostic in some cases, we find that clinical correlation with history and physical examination is critical to differentiate between anatomic variants, incidental findings, and true pathology. We conclude that good communication between the orthopedic surgeon and the radiologist is necessary to optimize diagnostic yield.
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Bencardino et al. (2010) conducted a review in Rotator cuff abnormalities. MRI was evaluated. MRI findings of rotator cuff abnormalities may represent anatomic variants or incidental findings, requiring clinical correlation with history and physical examination to identify true pathology.
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