Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

I went to a university orthopedic clinic for a shoulder exam. They found a rotator cuff tear. Now they want to inject a dye into the joint and take some pictures. Can't I just have a regular MRI and find out what they need without the injection?

MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) give good information about the shoulder, which is a very complex joint. However it's not accurate 100 per cent of the time. In fact it may be only about 86 to 90 percent accurate.

The magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) is more sensitive and more reliable for rotator cuff tears. It has been shown to be 100 percent accurate in some studies. The MRA is more expensive, takes a little longer, and does require a needle injection into the shoulder.

Most patients report it doesn't hurt as much as they expected. The MRA doesn't offer any advantage in diagnosis if there's damage outside the joint capsule. It does give the surgeon more information about the type, direction, and size of rotator cuff tears.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.