Role of MRI in the evaluation of acromioclavicular joint in patients with shoulder pain

Abstract

Shoulder pain is the third most frequent cause for MSK consultation in primary care. It may be caused by multiple intra and extra articular pathology. ACJ pathology is a very common component of shoulder pain. Pathologies found in the ACJ in the patients with shoulder pain include mainly osteoarthritis with its different degrees and the associated pathalogical conditions such as subacromial impingement and supra spinatus muscle tear. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) played an important role as a non-invasive investigation due to its non-invasive nature, high degree of resolution, lack of contrast exposure and non-ionizing radiation, multiplanar capability, and excellent soft tissue resolution. That's why MRI is the preferred test for evaluating the acromio clavicular joint and the associated pathological condition, a normal MRI greatly reduces the chances of a rotator cuff tear.