Normal anatomy of the shoulder joint through the prism of magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a modern high-tech medical imaging technique which is characterized by the absence of radiation exposure, and is highly effective for the detection of pathology of soft tissue structures of the shoulder joint. Shoulder joint structures in different planes in different types of pulse sequences have differences in the display. Experience of carrying out of such studies in most radiological professionals is slight. In modern orthopedics they use a variety of techniques of arthroscopic treatment of pathology of the shoulder joint and during surgeries they often find its damaged soft tissue structures that are not diagnosed before surgery. Objective: To analyze the imaging features of normal anatomical structures of the shoulder joint in standard MRI procedure. Methods: Based on the analysis of the scientific and methodological literature there was considered the principle of MRI method, its physical properties and peculiarities of the study of the bone-joint system, and compared of anatomical structures of the shoulder joint with their display on the MRI slices in three standard planes in normal condition. Results: There was presented generalized description of the anatomical structures of the shoulder joint in normal condition. There were examined and detailed anatomical features of display on the MRI of certain structures of the shoulder joint in normal condition. Conclusions: The correct MRI conclusion is an important criterion for an accurate preoperative diagnosis, which will allow to apply the appropriate method of treatment, to plan the amount of surgery, and to determine the prognosis of the disease.