Not for emergencies. Acute shoulder dislocation, fracture, or severe trauma requires ER evaluation. DOD is not for emergency orthopedic evaluation.
Shoulder MRI: What Patients Should Know
A shoulder MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed images of the shoulder joint — including the rotator cuff tendons, glenoid labrum, biceps tendon, glenohumeral joint, AC joint, and surrounding structures. It provides excellent soft tissue detail without ionizing radiation.
Educational content only. Whether shoulder MRI is medically appropriate is determined by a licensed provider. DOD does not perform or interpret shoulder MRI.
Quick Answer
A shoulder MRI images the rotator cuff (four tendons), glenoid labrum, biceps long head tendon, acromioclavicular (AC) joint, glenohumeral joint, articular cartilage, bursae, and surrounding soft tissues using magnetic fields and radio waves (no radiation). Most studies are without contrast. Provider orders are required at most facilities. DOD can review shoulder MRI order requests for eligible patients in supported states.
Key Shoulder Structures on MRI
Supraspinatus Tendon
Most commonly involved in rotator cuff tears — runs through the subacromial space
Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Tendons
External rotators of the shoulder — posterior rotator cuff
Subscapularis Tendon
Internal rotator — anterior rotator cuff
Glenoid Labrum
Fibrocartilage rim around the glenoid socket — stabilizes the glenohumeral joint
Biceps Long Head Tendon
Runs through the bicipital groove and into the joint — can be evaluated for tears and tendinopathy
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint
Joint between the acromion and clavicle — visible on shoulder MRI protocols
Subacromial / Subdeltoid Bursa
Fluid-filled sac reducing friction in the subacromial space
Glenohumeral Articular Cartilage
Cartilage surfaces of the humeral head and glenoid
Frequently Asked Questions — Shoulder MRI
Sources
- Shoulder MRI — Patient Information — RadiologyInfo.org (ACR / RSNA)
- MRI Scans — MedlinePlus (NIH)
Related Education and Order Pages
Need a Provider Review for a Shoulder MRI?
$40 virtual provider review. Orders issued only when medically appropriate.
Start Virtual Consult — $40Not for emergencies. Orders not guaranteed.
Educational content only. DOD does not perform or interpret shoulder MRI.