Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder
Shoulder MRI in Casablanca
Shoulder MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves, without X-rays. It shows the rotator cuff tendons (those that surround the head of the humerus and allow you to raise your arm), the labrum, the muscles, the bone and the bursa located under the acromion. It helps your doctor understand pain or loss of strength, and plan any treatment.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Shoulder MRI usually takes 15 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Shoulder pain that persists despite treatment, especially when you raise your arm.
- Suspected tear or rupture of a rotator cuff tendon.
- Loss of strength or difficulty raising the arm after a fall or physical effort.
- Shoulder dislocation or a feeling that the shoulder is slipping out of place.
- Stiff shoulder, to look for adhesive capsulitis (inflammation that causes the joint capsule to shrink).
- Assessment before shoulder surgery, or a check after tendon repair.
How the exam is done
After a short safety interview, you remove jewelry, your watch and any metal objects. You lie on your back with the arm being examined along your body, often with the thumb pointing up, and a shell-shaped coil is placed over your shoulder. Cushions, and sometimes a small sandbag on the forearm, help you hold the position, and you are moved slightly to one side so that the shoulder is at the center of the machine.
The image acquisitions are noisy: headphones are provided. Do not move your shoulder or arm, and breathe calmly, because large chest movements can blur the images. You keep a call button in your hand. Afterwards, you can return to your usual activities.
Preparation
- Choose a top without metal fasteners, or plan to put on the gown provided.
- If your shoulder is very painful when you lie down, ask your doctor whether you can take a painkiller before the exam.
- Remove pins, hair clips and underwire bras before lying down.
Fasting
No fasting: eat normally and take your treatments, including the painkiller recommended by your doctor.
Contrast injection
Tendons, the labrum and bone are usually assessed without contrast agent. Gadolinium, injected into a vein in the arm, is reserved for certain questions: a mass, a joint infection or, depending on the team, adhesive capsulitis.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator, whose case is often located under the collarbone, near the area being examined: MRI only with a compatible system, reprogrammed with the cardiologist's agreement.
- Anchors, screws, shoulder prosthesis or collarbone plate: rarely an obstacle, but this hardware distorts the image.
- Pain that prevents you from keeping your arm still along your body: tell us so that a painkiller or a suitable position can be planned.
- Neurostimulator, ear implant, implanted pump, old clip on a brain artery, metal fragment in the eye.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
Documents to bring
- Prescription specifying the side (right or left).
- Shoulder X-rays and ultrasound already performed.
- Surgical report if you have had shoulder surgery.
- List of current medications.
- Implant, prosthesis or medical device card.
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card.
Price and insurance coverage
The price of shoulder MRI varies depending on the side examined and whether gadolinium is added, which is reserved for certain questions.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Ultrasound or MRI for shoulder pain?
The two exams complement each other. Ultrasound examines the rotator cuff tendons well and allows them to be observed in motion. MRI gives an overall view of the joint, including the bone, the cartilage and the labrum. Your doctor chooses based on your symptoms and their examination.
I can't lie down because of the pain. What should I do?
Tell the center when you book and talk to your doctor, who can adjust your pain treatment. On site, the radiographer supports your arm with cushions to find a bearable position during the sequences.
Why is my doctor talking about MR arthrography?
When the shoulder dislocates repeatedly or a labral injury is suspected, an injection of contrast agent into the joint before the MRI can improve the analysis of these fine structures. This is MR arthrography, a separate exam with its own preparation.
I have had shoulder surgery. Is MRI still possible?
Most often, yes. Anchors, screws or shoulder prostheses are generally compatible with MRI, but they sometimes degrade the image around them. Bring your surgical report: it helps the radiologist check the hardware and adapt the sequences.
Shoulder MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of shoulder MRI varies depending on the side examined and whether gadolinium is added, which is reserved for certain questions. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.