MR imaging of the rotator cuff: peritendinous and bone abnormalities in an asymptomatic population.

Abstract

Our findings reveal a high prevalence of MR-evident bone and peritendinous shoulder abnormalities among asymptomatic individuals. The prevalence of subacromial spurs and humeral head cysts correlated closely with the severity of MR-evident rotator cuff abnormalities, as did changes in the bursa and peribursal fat. Acromioclavicular joint osteoarthrosis is seen in many shoulders independently of rotator cuff disease; therefore, its presence alone does not appear to be a reliable indicator of pain or tendon disease.