Advanced Shoulder MRI in Houston & Dickinson

Understand the examination

About Shoulder MRI

Shoulder MRI can examine the rotator cuff, labrum and other tissues around the joint. Clinicians may request it to investigate an injury, persistent symptoms or postoperative concerns.

Prefer an open scanner? Open Shoulder MRI at Walters Road explains the open examination and positioning.

Rotator cuff and labrum are different structures

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps move and stabilize the shoulder. The labrum forms a rim around the socket and contributes to stability. A shoulder examination may investigate one or both, but they are not interchangeable explanations for pain. Tell the clinician whether the main difficulty is weakness, pain with reaching, stiffness or episodes of the shoulder slipping out of place. A specific injury and gradual symptoms also provide different context. MRI findings become more useful when the clinical concern identifies which part of shoulder function needs explanation.

What a labral finding can mean

A labral injury can occur with dislocation, repetitive activity or degenerative change. Its location and the associated structures matter. For example, the upper labrum is related to the attachment of the long head of the biceps tendon, while an injury elsewhere may be described in relation to instability. These names help a clinician understand the pattern, but do not determine treatment by themselves. Ask how the finding matches your history and examination and whether it explains the symptom you want to address. An unfamiliar label in the report should be translated into the actual clinical issue before discussing procedures.

Routine MRI and a joint-injection study

A standard MRI and an MR arthrogram are different procedures. In a direct arthrogram, contrast is placed into the joint before imaging to help address particular questions about joint structures. This differs from contrast injected into a vein. The referring clinician may choose the approach based on the suspected problem and previous treatment. Do not assume that an order mentioning contrast refers to the same process in every shoulder examination. If the wording is unclear, ask the referring office to clarify the intended procedure and confirm where it can be performed. This explanation does not establish local arthrogram availability.

Using cuff findings in a care discussion

For a suspected rotator cuff injury, the clinical assessment considers pain, strength, movement and the imaging findings together. MRI or ultrasound may contribute information, but the choice of treatment depends on the full picture. Describe what you can no longer do rather than focusing only on a tear measurement. If the shoulder has been operated on, explain the type of repair and when symptoms changed. Ask what is expected after that procedure and what the new examination adds. If the report contains several findings, identify which one is driving the recommendation and what outcome the proposed treatment is intended to improve.

Scan Preparation

A doctor’s order is required before your scan. Discuss implants, prior surgery, possible pregnancy and earlier contrast reactions with the imaging team. Have device information available for safety screening. Ask for clothing, food and medication instructions for the ordered examination.

Check the details on your order

Identify the right or left shoulder when scheduling and mention previous surgery or implanted hardware. If the referral says MR arthrogram, ask about that exact procedure and its availability. Keep your referring office’s contact details ready if scheduling needs to clarify the order.

During the MRI

The team explains positioning and communication for the scan. Follow instructions about staying still and any brief breathing steps. Ask before the scan begins how to raise a concern, and tell the technologist if you need help.

Imaging Results & Reports

Your radiologist’s report goes to the ordering clinician, who will explain the findings and next steps. Contact our records team for copies of your images or report.