Shoulder joint pathology--improved diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a pictorial essay and review.

This paper describes the personal experience of the author with Shoulder Arthro MR. This imaging method is put into perspective with other, more widely used diagnostic methods, which also have their advantages. Indications for Shoulder Arthro MR are discussed and details on the technique and interpretaton are given. Also major shoulder pathology as impingement, rotator cuff tears and instability is discussed. Furthermore a review of the spectrum of pathology in 100 consecutively examined patients is made and treatment and outcome are listed. Lastly a pictorial review of typical pathologies in MR pictures is supplemented. After x-ray, Shoulder MR is now considered the standard among the imaging methods to diagnose shoulder disorders, as it allows for optimal depiction of pathology and diagnosis in all major imaging planes. At the same time the method gives the arthroscopist an excellent roadmap for his intervention. All in all, the treatment outcome of shoulder trauma has been improved by shoulder MR in conjunction with modern surgical and arthroscopic therapies.