A shoulder MRI is a painless procedure preferred by doctors for examining the health problems of the shoulder joint. By obtaining the clear images of the insides of the shoulder, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis without cutting the patient’s shoulder.
This imaging test can be done at many diagnostic centres across the country. It is a safe alternative for imaging tests that use radiation to provide clear pictures of a person’s joints, organs, and soft tissue. Keep reading to learn what a shoulder MRI is, how is it performed, the cost of a shoulder MRI, and the associated risks.
What is a shoulder MRI?
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a shoulder is a type of imaging test that uses magnetism and radio waves to look at the insides of your body parts. This test, unlike other imaging tests such as CT scans or X-rays, does not use radiation, which makes it relatively safe for patients.
During a scan, the MRI machine generates a magnetic field that temporarily aligns the water molecules in the body. This alignment creates faint signals, with the help of radio waves, that are captured by the machine as images. A healthcare provider usually operates the machine from an adjacent room with see-through windows.
The images produced from a shoulder MRI scan enable the doctor to examine the muscles, fat, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage in and around the shoulder joint. Generally, it is used to diagnose health problems affecting the person’s shoulder and limiting their mobility, in addition to identifying the cause of unexplained pain or preparing for surgery.
Depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor may recommend a shoulder MRI with contrast. This type of MRI uses a special contrast agent or dye that is given intravenously to the patient. This contrast agent collects around the soft tissues and offers clear images.
When is a shoulder MRI recommended?
Being a complex joint, any ailment related to the shoulder can be extremely difficult to diagnose without having a clear picture of the joint and its surroundings. Doctors often recommend an MRI scan for shoulder pain, especially when the cause of the pain is unknown. The doctor usually recommends a shoulder MRI if the patient has had a recent shoulder injury or other problems, including the following:
- Dislocation of the shoulder
- Wear and tear of the shoulder joint over time causing severe problems
- Degenerative joint diseases, e.g., arthritis
- Bone fractures
- Sports- or trauma-related injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tumours
- Infections
- Unexplained swelling/pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Shoulder impingement or pressure on nerves/tendons in the shoulder area
- Torn ligaments
- Non-responsive shoulder pain
The doctor may also recommend a shoulder MRI to prepare for surgery or to track the patient’s progress post-surgery.
Preparing for a shoulder MRI
Before confirming an appointment at the diagnostic centre, the patient must inform the doctor about any medical implants they have in their body, including metal pins and pacemakers. This is extremely crucial to ensure the safety of the patient, as the MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field that may cause any metal implants in the patient’s body to heat up or move from their place or mess up the settings in a pacemaker. People with any such implants cannot undergo an MRI.
Informing the healthcare providers if the patient has claustrophobia can make the test experience quick and comfortable for everyone, as they can give suitable medications to relax the patient. Additionally, if the patient has had an allergic reaction to the contrast material, they should inform the healthcare provider.
Apart from this, the patient must remove all jewellery, clothing item with metal, hearing aids, accessories, hair pins, etc., before the procedure.
Procedure of a shoulder MRI
The patient may be asked to change into a hospital gown, depending on their clothing and imaging requirements, before starting the procedure. After this, the healthcare provider will briefly explain the procedure and give the patient some earplugs or headphones to avoid discomfort during the process. This is because the MRI machine creates loud thumping/clicking/humming sounds when it’s running.
The healthcare provider will help the patient get in an appropriate position on the table for the shoulder MRI, that is, lying flat on their back on the MRI table with their feet facing away from the machine. The table slides inside the machine, and the healthcare provider leaves the room to operate the machine from an adjacent room. Additional specially designed coils also be placed around the patient’s shoulder to enhance imaging results.
A shoulder MRI scan procedure usually takes about 30–60 minutes to complete, during which the patient must remain still to get clear pictures. Once the results are ready, a radiologist usually examines them before sending it over to the concerned doctor or giving it to the patient after attaching a report on the results.
High-field open MRI
It is possible for a patient to be extremely claustrophobic, and the doctors may not be able to give them any medicine to relax due to pre-existing conditions or other complications. Some patients may be overweight, which may cause some difficulties during the test, or they may have post-traumatic stress disorder causing extreme discomfort on the MRI table. In such scenarios, the doctor may recommend patients to get a high-field open MRI.
The high-field open MRI machine has a wider hollow space that allows more airflow than a traditional MRI machine, making the imaging process relatively easy for the patient. However, the machine may not be available in every location yet.
Cost of shoulder MRI
The average price of a shoulder MRI scan in India can range anywhere from INR 3000 to INR 8500 or more, depending on the type of diagnostic centre, location, and other factors. The patient is advised to consult their health insurance provider for coverage of the test before going for the test if it is not urgently required by the doctor.
Associated risks with a shoulder MRI
A shoulder MRI is usually a safe procedure that does not cause any pain or damage to the patient. However, people who have certain medical implants, including the following, cannot undergo this procedure:
- Cochlear implants
- Artery stents
- Brain aneurysm clips
- Artificial heart valves
- Pacemakers
- Recent artificial joints
- Vagal nerve stimulators
Some people may also be allergic to the contrast agent used in MRIs sometimes. Although the symptoms usually range from mild to moderate, they can complicate things for the patient and cause unnecessary discomfort. Thus, if the patient experiences any discomfort or symptoms of allergy after being given the contrast agent, they must inform the healthcare providers immediately.
