The MRI Spectrum in Shoulder Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background This study aimed to study the spectrum of MRI changes and their association with X-ray findings in shoulder pathologies. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India, over 18 months. The study included 53 patients with suspected shoulder injuries. X-ray and MRI were performed, and findings were noted. Statistical significance was considered at p-values below 0.05. Results The MRI spectrum showed tears in 31 (58.49%) cases and tendinosis in 16 (30.19%) cases. A complete tear was observed in five supraspinatus tendons. X-ray findings showed acromioclavicular lesions in 15 (28.30%) cases, cystic changes of humerus tuberosity in 10 (18.87%) cases, humeral head degeneration in nine (16.98%) cases, humerus tuberosity erosions in two (3.77%) cases, and rotator cuff calcifications in two (3.77%) cases. There was no significant association between X-ray findings and MRI spectrum (p > 0.05). Conclusions MRI demonstrated a wide spectrum of shoulder pathologies, with rotator cuff tears and tendinosis being the most common findings. X-ray, while useful for detecting bony abnormalities such as acromioclavicular joint changes, cystic degeneration, and calcifications, showed limited concordance with MRI findings. The lack of significant association between X-ray and MRI highlights the superior diagnostic utility of MRI in evaluating soft tissue lesions of the shoulder.