| One of the most common reactions that patients have | | | | bones. If a large tear exists in the shoulder muscles the |
| if they are suffering from acute or chronic shoulder | | | | bones will be "out of place." Other problems can be |
| pain is to wonder if they need x-rays or not. Only your | | | | identified on x-ray such as signs of chronic instability, |
| physician can determine the need for this test. There | | | | rotator cuff disease or broken bones. |
| are several diagnostic tests that your physician may | | | | When the physician still has questions as to what is |
| order if you are having shoulder problems. This article | | | | causing your pain he may order an MRI of your |
| will discuss these various tests and what they are | | | | shoulder. The MRI is the gold standard test for |
| used for. | | | | diagnosing rotator cuff problems. This test will show |
| Diagnostic imaging or testing is used to help the | | | | the muscles, tendons, cartilage and bursal sac. If there |
| physician make an accurate diagnosis. They can be | | | | is any abnormality in these structures the MD will likely |
| useful in pin-pointing exactly which anatomical structure | | | | see it on the MRI. |
| is inflamed or damaged. Sometimes diagnostic testing | | | | Other tests that may be utilized in your care are |
| is used simply to confirm what the MD already | | | | diagnostic ultrasound. This is a relatively inexpensive |
| suspects. This is done if an injection is being | | | | test to run compared to MRI and can show soft tissue |
| considered and the physician wants to be sure of | | | | problems very well. The success of the test is largely |
| which structure should be focused on. Also in the case | | | | dependent on the skill of the person running it though. |
| of a surgical intervention imaging studies are helpful in | | | | For this reason it is not that widely used yet. A |
| identifying the injured structure. | | | | Cat-Scan is another test that may be used to |
| In the presence of chronic shoulder pain x-rays will | | | | diagnose a chronic shoulder pain problem. It can show |
| usually be taken before other tests are considered. | | | | arthritis, bone loss, tumors and fractures. It is useful for |
| They are relatively inexpensive compared to some of | | | | patients who cannot undergo an MRI. |
| the other tests out there. Several views of the | | | | As you can see there are several tests available for |
| shoulder are taken in a variety of positions. You should | | | | the diagnosis of chronic shoulder pain. Only your |
| know that x-rays only show the bones. They do not | | | | physician can order these tests so if you are having a |
| show muscles, tendons or other soft tissue. X-rays | | | | problem it is wise to consult your doctor so he or she |
| are useful in showing if significant arthritis is present. | | | | can coordinate the proper care and testing to help you |
| They can also show the position of the shoulder | | | | resolve your problem. |