Because of its inherent superior soft tissue contrast and lack of ionizing
radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly suited to study the
complex anatomy of the shoulder joint, particularly when assessing the
relatively high incidence of shoulder injuries in young, athletic patients. This
review aims to serve as a primer for understanding shoulder MRI in an
algorithmical approach, including MRI protocol and technique, normal anatomy and
anatomical variations of the shoulder, pathologic conditions of the rotator cuff
tendons and muscles, the long head of the biceps tendon, shoulder impingement,
labral and glenohumeral ligament pathology, MR findings in shoulder instability,
adhesive capsulitis, and osteoarthritis.