Why is MRI preferred when diagnosing a meniscus tear of the shoulder joint?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Trinh Le Hong Minh - Radiologist - Radiology Department - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. The doctor has many years of experience in the field of diagnostic imaging.

The diagnosis of shoulder cartilage tear is essential in the treatment of the disease, avoiding complications and severe damage to the shoulder joint. However, the shoulder cartilage tear is a difficult injury, the location is deep in the joint, so the examination is mainly by specialized clinical tests and especially the MRI of the shoulder joint.

The shoulder joint is made up of the head of the humerus and the socket of the shoulder blade. However, because the humerus is relatively shallow and covers only one-third of the circumference of the head, the shoulder joint is susceptible to instability without the reinforcing parietal cartilage. The cartilage is a very strong structure, allowing the shoulder joint to move with a very large amplitude, the largest of any joints in the body. The cause of shoulder cartilage tear can be caused by:
Injuries to the shoulder joint such as falling against the arm, falling on the shoulder, pulling the shoulder... The shoulder cartilage is torn due to degeneration, repetitive movements or degenerate with age. The shoulder cartilage tear is a common injury, but patients often ignore the symptoms and continue with daily activities, making the shoulder joint more and more serious. The symptoms of shoulder cartilage tear include:
The shoulder joint is often painful, the pain increases when going to sleep, performing a movement such as turning the arm,... The shoulder joint has a crunching sound when moving the shoulder. , limited range of motion in the joint and arm The shoulder joint is always in a detached state, the shoulder is weak, or tired and painful even though the patient does not exercise much in the shoulder.

There are many types of shoulder cartilage tear, specifically as follows:
Anterior - lower border cartilage tear, this damage makes the shoulder joint loose, easy to dislocate again. Anterior to posterior superior meniscus tear: Usually occurs in activities that need to be raised above the head such as tennis, volleyball, Posterior meniscus tear: less common, often occurs in athletes. The diagnosis of shoulder cartilage tear is essential in the treatment of the disease, avoiding complications and severe damage to the shoulder joint. However, the examination is mainly by specialized clinical tests and especially the MRI diagnosis of shoulder meniscus tear, it is better if possible intra-articular contrast injection because the tear of the shoulder meniscus is Difficult lesions, located deep in the joint.

3.1. Treatment of shoulder meniscus tear Medical treatment combined with physical therapy to restore function: This method is used in case of mild, not too serious injuries. Use pain relievers, reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, sedatives. Surgery: Used in cases of large border cartilage tear, severe damage. Shoulder arthroscopy can be used to suture the torn meniscus. 3.2. Prevention of shoulder cartilage tear To prevent shoulder injuries as well as shoulder cartilage tear, each person needs to:
Move the body, move the shoulder according to gentle exercises to increase flexibility and flexibility. for bones and joints,... In daily life, avoid collisions that damage the border cartilage as well as shoulder joints. As an athlete, if participating in sports, warm up thoroughly before participating and minimize collisions. Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. and treatment of shoulder cartilage tear at the hospital.