MR of the scapula
Anatomy of the scapula
The scapula is classified as a flat bone. It is relatively thin, has
- two surfaces – the ribbed (concave forming the subscapularis fossa) and the dorsal (convex, separated by a crest forming the supraspinatus fossa and subscapularis fossa),
- three angles – top, bottom and side,
- you need edges – medial, upper and lateral
- shoulder process – on its medial edge is the articular surface that connects the bone to the clavicle,
- The coracoid process located on the upper edge of the scapula – is the place of attachment of ligaments (coracoclavicular, coracoclavicular and coracoclavicular), as well as muscles (pectoralis minor, coracoclavicular and short head of the biceps brachii).
Specifics of the blade
Due to its anatomical structure, the scapula performs a number of diverse movements, including:
- lifting,
- lowering,
- rotations (external, internal, lower and upper)
- protractions,
- retractions,
- inclination (front and rear)
In view of the above circumstances, it is prone to developing injuries and conditions. One of the most accurate methods of diagnosing scapular pain is magnetic resonance imaging.
This examination is completely non-invasive and painless. This is because during magnetic resonance imaging, a magnet, radio waves and an advanced computer are used to produce extremely detailed and precise images showing possible pathologies within the scapula.
What are the indications for an MRI of the scapula?
An MRI of the scapula may be necessary for a number of complaints reported by the patient, including:
- Bone area pain,
- Pain in the area of the shoulder-clavicular joint and the shoulder joint,
- Mechanical trauma (e.g., fractures, breaks),
- inflammation,
- calcifications,
- signs of damage to the surrounding muscles and ligaments,
- degenerative changes,
- Cancer metastasis to the bone.
What are the contraindications to an MRI of the scapula?
A contraindication to performing a scapular examination using MRI is the presence of electronic medical devices or metal components with ferromagnetic properties in the patient’s body, such as a pacemaker, orthopedic screws, insulin pump, etc.
At the same time, it should be noted that each element that has been implanted in the patient’s body has the appropriate certificates with information on what material it is made of.
Currently, a large number of implants are not a contraindication to examination in the high electromagnetic field found in MRI, because they are created from alloys of materials that do not show ferromagnetic properties, such as titanium.