Clinique Pasteur Tunis
Shoulder MRI
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Shoulder MRI

Shoulder MRI in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Shoulder MRI in Tunis: rotator cuff tendons, labrum and cartilage, for pain, stiffness or after a dislocation.

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What is it?

A shoulder MRI examines the rotator cuff tendons (which allow you to lift and rotate your arm), the labrum (the rim of cartilage around the joint), the cartilage, the ligaments and the muscles. It is requested for persistent shoulder pain, loss of strength when lifting the arm, after a fall or dislocation, or to prepare for surgery. It complements ultrasound and X-ray. It is generally performed without an injection. In some cases (instability, suspected labrum injury), the doctor requests an MR arthrography: a contrast agent is then injected into the joint just before the examination, under imaging guidance. A shoulder MRI may also be combined with an MRI of the cervical spine, because some shoulder pain comes from the neck.

When is it indicated?

Persistent shoulder pain

It looks for tendinitis, calcification or a tear in the rotator cuff tendons.

Loss of strength when lifting the arm

It shows a tendon tear and its size, which helps decide on a repair.

Shoulder dislocation or instability

It (often as an MR arthrography) looks for damage to the labrum or bone left by the dislocation.

Assessment before shoulder surgery

It clarifies the condition of the tendons and muscles to plan the operation.

Preparation

1Remove jewellery, watch, piercings, hair clips, bank cards and any metal object before entering the scanner room
2Tell us in advance about any pacemaker or defibrillator, implant (cochlear implant, neurostimulator, pump), surgical clip, heart valve, prosthesis or metal fragment: some are MRI-compatible, others are not
3Tell us about any surgery or hardware in the shoulder
4Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be
5Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia): the team will support you and your doctor can prescribe a mild sedative
6For an MR arthrography: tell us about any blood-thinning treatment (anticoagulant, antiplatelet) and any allergy
7Bring your shoulder X-rays and ultrasounds

Procedure

1

You change in a cubicle and put your metal objects in a locker

2

For an MR arthrography only: an injection is first given into the joint, after the skin has been disinfected and numbed with a local anaesthetic

3

You lie on your back, with your arm by your side and your shoulder placed in a coil

4

The scanner makes loud, repetitive noises while the images are being taken: headphones or earplugs are provided

5

You need to keep still during each series of images so that they are sharp

6

You stay in contact with the team through a microphone and a call bell that you hold in your hand

7

After the examination, you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 20 to 30 minutes (a little longer for an MR arthrography)

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

No X-rays: MRI does not use ionising radiation
Not possible with a pacemaker, defibrillator or implant that is not MRI-compatible, or with a metal foreign body in the eye
MR arthrography: temporary discomfort or pain in the shoulder for a day or two; joint infection is exceptional
Allergic reaction to gadolinium: rare, and usually mild (redness, itching)
During pregnancy, MRI is only performed if it is really useful, and usually without an injection
You may feel enclosed inside the tunnel; the examination can be stopped at any time

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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Radiology centre direct line+216 36 402 036Clinic switchboard+216 36 402 000

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