Clinical impact of shoulder magnetic resonance imaging

The clinical impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder is dependent upon the clinical diagnosisand clinical indications for surgical management. MRI of the shoulder is very useful in defining the anatomic pathology associated with shoulder pain and disability. The clinical impact of MRI is improved when it is obtained under well defined criteria which should be based upon clinical treatment algorithms. Shoulder MRI is best used to define the anatomic pathology associated with rotator cuff tears and traumatic glenohumeral instability.