Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Rotator Cuff Interval

Douglas P. Beall; Yoav Morag; Justin Q. Ly; M. Brandon Johnson; Charles B. Pasque; Brett A. Braley; Hal D. Martin; Annette M. Stapp

doi:10.1055/s-2006-957172

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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2006; 10(3): 187-196
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957172

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Rotator Cuff Interval

Douglas P. Beall¹ ^, ² ^, ³ , Yoav Morag⁴ , Justin Q. Ly⁵ , M. Brandon Johnson⁶ , Charles B. Pasque⁶ , Brett A. Braley⁶ , Hal D. Martin⁷ , Annette M. Stapp³

¹Clinical Radiology of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
²Department of Orthopedics, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
³The Physicians Group, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
⁴Musculoskeletal Division, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
⁵Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
⁶Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
⁷Oklahoma Sports Science and Orthopaedics, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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Publication Date:
27 December 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The rotator cuff interval (RCI) is an important and anatomically complex region of the rotator cuff that is critically important to normal glenohumeral function. Recognition of common pathologies in this region on imaging examinations is especially important as injuries may be difficult to detect on clinical examination and even at arthroscopy. Familiarity with the magnetic resonance imaging appearance of the normal and abnormal RCI and the ability to convey findings to orthopedic and sports medicine referrers are essential to facilitate prompt creation of effective treatment plans.

KEYWORDS

MRI - rotator cuff - interval - biceps tendon - coracohumeral

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