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Imaging / investigation

Ultrasound and MRI

Visualise tendon tears, bone spurs, labral lesions.

📖 Rehab ScienceSource: Rehab Science · PDF pp. 18, 368, 369
PurposeVisualise tendon tears, bone spurs, labral lesions.
Procedure
  1. Ordered by a doctor when red flags
  2. suspected full-thickness tears
  3. or failure of 8–12 weeks of rehab warrant it.
InterpretationFindings must be matched to symptoms—cuff tears are common in pain-free people.
Limitations
  • Asymptomatic findings are common (Ch 1)
  • No single test is definitive.
Used for
Rotator cuff injury (tear / tendinopathy)Shoulder impingement (subacromial pain syndrome)Shoulder instability (labral tear, dislocation, subluxation)Biceps tendinopathy (long head)