Which imaging modality is most informative for suspected rotator cuff tear when MRI is available?

Which imaging modality is most informative for suspected rotator cuff tear when MRI is available?

• A. MRI
• B. X-ray
• C. CT scan
• D. Ultrasound

Answer: (A)

MRI provides the most complete view of soft tissues around the shoulder, which is essential when a rotator cuff tear is suspected. It offers excellent soft tissue contrast and can show precisely which tendon is involved (often the supraspinatus), the tear pattern (full-thickness or partial-thickness), and how much the tendon retracts. It also assesses muscle quality, including fatty infiltration and atrophy, which help predict repairability and outcomes. In addition, MRI evaluates related structures—biceps tendon, subacromial space, labrum, cartilage—everything in one study. X-ray and CT mainly show bone and give indirect or limited information about soft tissues, while ultrasound, though useful and operator-dependent, may miss complex or proximal tears and cannot reliably assess muscle quality or intra-articular pathology. When MRI is available, it provides the most informative, comprehensive assessment for suspected rotator cuff tear.

MRI provides the most complete view of soft tissues around the shoulder, which is essential when a rotator cuff tear is suspected. It offers excellent soft tissue contrast and can show precisely which tendon is involved (often the supraspinatus), the tear pattern (full-thickness or partial-thickness), and how much the tendon retracts. It also assesses muscle quality, including fatty infiltration and atrophy, which help predict repairability and outcomes. In addition, MRI evaluates related structures—biceps tendon, subacromial space, labrum, cartilage—everything in one study.

X-ray and CT mainly show bone and give indirect or limited information about soft tissues, while ultrasound, though useful and operator-dependent, may miss complex or proximal tears and cannot reliably assess muscle quality or intra-articular pathology. When MRI is available, it provides the most informative, comprehensive assessment for suspected rotator cuff tear.