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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2006; 10(3): 187-196
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957172
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Rotator Cuff Interval

Douglas P. Beall1 , 2 , 3 , Yoav Morag4 , Justin Q. Ly5 , M. Brandon Johnson6 , Charles B. Pasque6 , Brett A. Braley6 , Hal D. Martin7 , Annette M. Stapp3
  • 1Clinical Radiology of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • 2Department of Orthopedics, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • 3The Physicians Group, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • 4Musculoskeletal Division, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 5Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
  • 6Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • 7Oklahoma Sports Science and Orthopaedics, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 December 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The rotator cuff interval (RCI) is an important and anatomically complex region of the rotator cuff that is critically important to normal glenohumeral function. Recognition of common pathologies in this region on imaging examinations is especially important as injuries may be difficult to detect on clinical examination and even at arthroscopy. Familiarity with the magnetic resonance imaging appearance of the normal and abnormal RCI and the ability to convey findings to orthopedic and sports medicine referrers are essential to facilitate prompt creation of effective treatment plans.

KEYWORDS

MRI - rotator cuff - interval - biceps tendon - coracohumeral

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