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Shoulder MRI in Denver
Assess Shoulder Injuries With an MRI
Shoulder pain is a common complaint for the active Colorado population. Symptoms often occur from trauma or damage from overuse. The shoulder is a very complex joint, and understanding the cause of pain is critical for proper treatment. While an X-ray is useful for seeing broken bones, a shoulder MRI provides a detailed look at the joint and soft tissues between the bones.
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, an imaging technology that uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed 3D imaging of the shoulder and joint. These signals are then converted to images for the radiologists to interpret. MRI is commonly performed to distinguish normal tissues from injured or pathologic tissues.
An MRI can be used:
- As a diagnostic scan to find the reason for a complaint or symptom
- To diagnose certain conditions, such as tumors or lesions
- To get a better look at a finding discovered by an X-ray
- To evaluate injuries to tissues
What If I Am Claustrophobic?
Claustrophobia describes a fear of being in closed or narrow spaces. It is a common fear that leads many patients to inquire about the experience of having an MRI. The MRI machine we use at The Women's Imaging Center has an especially wide bore (opening), so much so that you can touch the sides with your outstretched arms. Our machine is also shorter than most MRI machines at hospitals since we perform dedicated MRIs of many organs, such as the joints, breasts, pelvis, and abdomen. We use an Espirit MRI, also called an "open MRI" by the manufacturer Siemens. Your head will be near the end of the magnet so you can see out. The MRI technologist will talk to you during the entire exam and can make any adjustments needed to make you more comfortable.
In the majority of cases, no premedication is necessary. However, if you feel you cannot perform the MRI without sedation, our Colorado radiologists or yours can write oral anxiety medication. You will have to pick it up and coordinate consumption with the timing of your MRI exam under our advice. You will also need a designated driver, a Lyft, or an Uber to drop you off and pick you up, as you are not allowed to drive after taking the medication.
Meet Our Specialists
Kelly McAleese, M.D.
Timothy Colt, M.D.
Barbara Jaegar, M.D.
John Lewin, M.D.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder MRIs
A Shoulder MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an imaging technology that uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed 3-D Imaging of the shoulder and joint. These signals are then converted to images for the radiologists to interpret.
MRI is commonly performed to distinguish normal tissues from injured or pathologic tissues. MRI is also used as a diagnostic scan to find the reason for a complaint or symptom. It is sometimes used to diagnose tumors.
You will be lying on your back on a comfortable table that moves into and out of the MRI machine. The magnet (within the MRI machine) makes a loud clunky sound. The technologists will fit you with comfortable headphones. You may choose to listen to music through headphones. It is important not to move quickly or jerk during the exam. Jerking may cause irregularities in the images from signals of the magnets moving.
An MRI of the shoulder is usually performed without the need for intravenous (IV) contrast dye. If your clinician is looking for a tumor, he or she may order a “contrast MRI." This means that the technologist will inject a dye into the vein in your arm. Tumors tend to be vascular, and the dye enhances (highlights or outlines) the tumor.
A shoulder MRI may be done to diagnose or monitor various shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, and arthritis.
A shoulder MRI is generally considered safe. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider if you have any metal implants or devices in your body, as they can interfere with the imaging process.
There are generally no risks associated with a shoulder MRI, although some patients may experience claustrophobia or anxiety during the test. Additionally, the contrast material used in some MRIs may cause an allergic reaction in some patients.
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