Rotator Cuff Disease

Shoulder pain is a common clinical presentation. Though the spectrum of disorders affecting the shoulder is quite diverse, emphasis is often placed on abnormalities of the rotator cuff and glenohumeral joint instability. The rotator cuff plays an important role in both the function and stability of the shoulder. Moreover, its pathology, with early and accurate diagnosis, is amenable to treatment, which can markedly affect patient outcome. This unit presents an MR imaging protocol for evaluation of the glenohumeral joint. Though specific emphasis is placed on the rotator cuff, it can also be used for global assessment of the shoulder.