Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard imaging tool to identify and characterize
shoulder disorders involving bone and soft tissues. The spatial and contrast resolutions
of magnetic resonance imaging allow for visualization of complex anatomical structures
and subtle pathologies. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity are excellent, but
accurate magnetic resonance imaging interpretation does require knowledge of developmental
variations that can be confused with symptomatic abnormalities. In this article, we
review commonly encountered magnetic resonance imaging findings that are normal and
asymptomatic but can mimic treatable shoulder lesions.
Keywords
shoulder - magnetic resonance imaging - rotator cuff - glenoid labrum - long head
biceps tendon