MRI of rotator cuff and tendonitis of spinatus muscle in arm
FluffyDuffy posted:
I've had three MRIs, one of the rotator cuff, one of the rotator cuff with contrast, one of the cervical neck. My first MRI said I had a partial labrial spinatus tear from the 9 to 11 position. I consulted with an orthopedic surgeon who looked at the filmes and didn't agree with the 9 to 11 position and said it was posterior and that would be 1 to 3. I followed up with a MRI that had contrast and it came back no internal derangement was seen and all the various aspects of the rotator cuff were reported to be intact.
Before I did the second MRI for cervical and only had the first report that said I had a partial labral tear, another orthopedic injected the joint with cortizone for relief. It worked for about two weeks. After the injection's effects wore off, I found I was in some of the worst pain I had been since the initial injury.
The injury was at that time about a year old. I had, after nearly a year of time letting it heal on its own, decided finally to try to find out what it's problem was.
I have been in physical therapy which is helping. It's improved, no question, but really I'm basically back to square one after recovering from the injection. My PT said I would be back 85 to 90% which is probably what I was at before I started exploring this.
There's always something I wish I could tell my doctor. He's now saying it's a partial "frozen shoulder" or encapsulitis (I could be close or wrong on that term). My strenght is decent. I can raise my arm to my front above my head. Rotating motion causes a sharp pain that seems like it is deep and near the bone. I can't fasten a bra. I reach my arm back to put it in a jacket. I can't swim. I can't rotate it with the thumb facing down.
I guess since my arm was in better shape before the cortizon shot and I suffered a setback, I'm questioning this newest diagnosis. I mean, wouldn't the cortizone shot have helped me restore movement to it and not inflammed it. It felt heavy and swollen when I first started PT.
Do I need to go back and get another MRI of the arm muscle?
Before I did the second MRI for cervical and only had the first report that said I had a partial labral tear, another orthopedic injected the joint with cortizone for relief. It worked for about two weeks. After the injection's effects wore off, I found I was in some of the worst pain I had been since the initial injury.
The injury was at that time about a year old. I had, after nearly a year of time letting it heal on its own, decided finally to try to find out what it's problem was.
I have been in physical therapy which is helping. It's improved, no question, but really I'm basically back to square one after recovering from the injection. My PT said I would be back 85 to 90% which is probably what I was at before I started exploring this.
There's always something I wish I could tell my doctor. He's now saying it's a partial "frozen shoulder" or encapsulitis (I could be close or wrong on that term). My strenght is decent. I can raise my arm to my front above my head. Rotating motion causes a sharp pain that seems like it is deep and near the bone. I can't fasten a bra. I reach my arm back to put it in a jacket. I can't swim. I can't rotate it with the thumb facing down.
I guess since my arm was in better shape before the cortizon shot and I suffered a setback, I'm questioning this newest diagnosis. I mean, wouldn't the cortizone shot have helped me restore movement to it and not inflammed it. It felt heavy and swollen when I first started PT.
Do I need to go back and get another MRI of the arm muscle?
6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:MRI of rotator cuff and tendonitis of spinatus muscle in armI've had three MRIs, one of the rotator cuff, one of the rotator cuff with contrast, one of the cervical neck. My first MRI said I had a partial labrial spinatus tear from the 9 to 11 position. I consulted with an orthopedic surgeon who looked at the filmes and didn't agree with the 9 to 11 position and said it was posterior and that would be 1 to 3. I followed up with a MRI that had contrast and it came back no internal derangement was seen and all the various aspects of the rotator cuff were reported to be intact.<br /> <br />Before I did the second MRI for cervical and only had the first report that said I had a partial labral tear, another orthopedic injected the joint with cortizone for relief. It worked for about two weeks. After the injection's effects wore off, I found I was in some of the worst pain I had been since the initial injury. <br /> <br />The injury was at that time about a year old. I had, after nearly a year of time letting it heal on its own, decided finally to try to find out what it's problem was.<br /> <br />I have been in physical therapy which is helping. It's improved, no question, but really I'm basically back to square one after recovering from the injection. My PT said I would be back 85 to 90% which is probably what I was at before I started exploring this.<br /> <br />There's always something I wish I could tell my doctor. He's now saying it's a partial "frozen shoulder" or encapsulitis (I could be close or wrong on that term). My strenght is decent. I can raise my arm to my front above my head. Rotating motion causes a sharp pain that seems like it is deep and near the bone. I can't fasten a bra. I reach my arm back to put it in a jacket. I can't swim. I can't rotate it with the thumb facing down.<br /> <br />I guess since my arm was in better shape before the cortizon shot and I suffered a setback, I'm questioning this newest diagnosis. I mean, wouldn't the cortizone shot have helped me restore movement to it and not inflammed it. It felt heavy and swollen when I first started PT. <br /> <br />Do I need to go back and get another MRI of the arm muscle?
bj1208 responded:
hi and welcome to the support group -
first I wanted to give you some sites to research the diagnosis that were given to you and I wanted to make sure they were from good sites.
Partial Labral Tear
http://www.hopkinsortho.org/labrum_tear.html this is from John Hopkins orthopedic site
Frozen Shoulder
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frozen-shoulder/DS00416 this is from Mayo Clinic
I think you will get a better understanding of what is going on with your shoulder.
With regards to cortisone injections - everyone is different and reacts differently to treatments. I, for one, am allergic to cortisone/steroid injections as I have a lot of side effects. After you had the injection did you have a follow-up appt with the surgeon and did you discuss the side effects? If not, I would suggest that you see the surgeon and discuss this and they should be able to answer your questions more directly.
please let us know what you find out - take care - Joy
first I wanted to give you some sites to research the diagnosis that were given to you and I wanted to make sure they were from good sites.
Partial Labral Tear
http://www.hopkinsortho.org/labrum_tear.html this is from John Hopkins orthopedic site
Frozen Shoulder
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frozen-shoulder/DS00416 this is from Mayo Clinic
I think you will get a better understanding of what is going on with your shoulder.
With regards to cortisone injections - everyone is different and reacts differently to treatments. I, for one, am allergic to cortisone/steroid injections as I have a lot of side effects. After you had the injection did you have a follow-up appt with the surgeon and did you discuss the side effects? If not, I would suggest that you see the surgeon and discuss this and they should be able to answer your questions more directly.
please let us know what you find out - take care - Joy
Report This| Share this:MRI of rotator cuff and tendonitis of spinatus muscle in armhi and welcome to the support group -<br /><br />first I wanted to give you some sites to research the diagnosis that were given to you and I wanted to make sure they were from good sites.<br /><br />Partial Labral Tear<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hopkinsortho.org/labrum_tear.html">http://www.hopkinsortho.org/labrum_tear.html</a> this is from John Hopkins orthopedic site<br /><br />Frozen Shoulder<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frozen-shoulder/DS00416">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/frozen-shoulder/DS00416</a> this is from Mayo Clinic<br /><br />I think you will get a better understanding of what is going on with your shoulder.<br /><br />With regards to cortisone injections - everyone is different and reacts differently to treatments. I, for one, am allergic to cortisone/steroid injections as I have a lot of side effects. After you had the injection did you have a follow-up appt with the surgeon and did you discuss the side effects? If not, I would suggest that you see the surgeon and discuss this and they should be able to answer your questions more directly. <br /><br />please let us know what you find out - take care - Joy
FluffyDuffy replied to bj1208's response:
Yes. I've actually seen 2 surgeons. First I did follow up with after the cortizone shot. At that point surgery was being considered. However, I went to a second surgeon following who recommended the PT and this has kind of corrected the bad effects that the cortizone left (restraining) and I'm actually not back to where I was when I had explored getting treatment for the injury.
I injured it doing a chatarunga pushup in yoga. I had thought I felt it tear. I felt it do something unsual. I still think a tear is an accurate description. However, maybe it just unnaturally stretched?
I just don't know what to do with it. It is limiting and I am an active person. I'm 50 now so age is not on my side, but I would like to have the use of my arm back and surgery to me doesn't seem to be an option.
I will read about the adhesive capsulitis. I know it can take up to 2 years to treat. Maybe it is just a slow recovery.
I injured it doing a chatarunga pushup in yoga. I had thought I felt it tear. I felt it do something unsual. I still think a tear is an accurate description. However, maybe it just unnaturally stretched?
I just don't know what to do with it. It is limiting and I am an active person. I'm 50 now so age is not on my side, but I would like to have the use of my arm back and surgery to me doesn't seem to be an option.
I will read about the adhesive capsulitis. I know it can take up to 2 years to treat. Maybe it is just a slow recovery.
Report This| Share this:MRI of rotator cuff and tendonitis of spinatus muscle in armYes. I've actually seen 2 surgeons. First I did follow up with after the cortizone shot. At that point surgery was being considered. However, I went to a second surgeon following who recommended the PT and this has kind of corrected the bad effects that the cortizone left (restraining) and I'm actually not back to where I was when I had explored getting treatment for the injury.<br /> <br />I injured it doing a chatarunga pushup in yoga. I had thought I felt it tear. I felt it do something unsual. I still think a tear is an accurate description. However, maybe it just unnaturally stretched?<br /> <br />I just don't know what to do with it. It is limiting and I am an active person. I'm 50 now so age is not on my side, but I would like to have the use of my arm back and surgery to me doesn't seem to be an option.<br /> <br />I will read about the adhesive capsulitis. I know it can take up to 2 years to treat. Maybe it is just a slow recovery.
bj1208 replied to FluffyDuffy's response:
hi again -
I think the best bet would continue with the PT - normally when a injection is given they will advise doing PT - the shot normally reduces inflammation and with that sometimes the pain will reduce making doing PT a little easier.
with this type of injury it does take time to heal and could take up to a year, longer or shorter - everyone is different on healing times. FYI when I had my back fusion surgery (L5-S1) the normal healing time frame is 6 months to a year, possibly longer. A month after my surgery my surgeon allowed me to speak to 2 other people that had same surgery as me. the first one I spoke with was a female and she was about 10 yrs younger than me and by her 3rd month post op she had no pains and was able to stop all pain meds and she had full use, bending forwards, backwards and side to side without any restrictions and she had no pains in her legs. the 2nd person I spoke with was a male and he was 6 yrs older than me (i'm now 51 and my surgery was in 2/08) and by his 5th month post op he was out on the greens playing his favorite sport of golf - he had no restrictions swinging the clubs and was not taking any pain meds - he also did not have any pains in his legs.
my surgery was a little different than theirs, though, and I didn't know how bad it was til about 1 1/2 yrs ago when I had rec'd all my MRIs, CT Scans, written reports and the notes from my surgery. My disc had ruptured and it had splintered where part was pressing on the left S1 nerve root and a smaller part on the right S1 nerve root. My disc ruptured in 2006 so during this time of all the treatments, pt etc., nerve damage was setting in my legs. Normally nerve damage can repair itself provided the area is corrected within 6 mts of the injury so having 2 yrs of the injured disc pressing on these roots did cause nerve damage to be permanent. after bout 8 months post op of worse pains than before my surgery it was found that I have chronic pains and nerve damage so I went from being employed full time (manager of accounting dept) to being disabled. but that's life and I have adjusted very well to it -
So as you see there are differences to healing times for everyone. it would be nice if everyone was the same~~
keep us posted - take care - Joy
I think the best bet would continue with the PT - normally when a injection is given they will advise doing PT - the shot normally reduces inflammation and with that sometimes the pain will reduce making doing PT a little easier.
with this type of injury it does take time to heal and could take up to a year, longer or shorter - everyone is different on healing times. FYI when I had my back fusion surgery (L5-S1) the normal healing time frame is 6 months to a year, possibly longer. A month after my surgery my surgeon allowed me to speak to 2 other people that had same surgery as me. the first one I spoke with was a female and she was about 10 yrs younger than me and by her 3rd month post op she had no pains and was able to stop all pain meds and she had full use, bending forwards, backwards and side to side without any restrictions and she had no pains in her legs. the 2nd person I spoke with was a male and he was 6 yrs older than me (i'm now 51 and my surgery was in 2/08) and by his 5th month post op he was out on the greens playing his favorite sport of golf - he had no restrictions swinging the clubs and was not taking any pain meds - he also did not have any pains in his legs.
my surgery was a little different than theirs, though, and I didn't know how bad it was til about 1 1/2 yrs ago when I had rec'd all my MRIs, CT Scans, written reports and the notes from my surgery. My disc had ruptured and it had splintered where part was pressing on the left S1 nerve root and a smaller part on the right S1 nerve root. My disc ruptured in 2006 so during this time of all the treatments, pt etc., nerve damage was setting in my legs. Normally nerve damage can repair itself provided the area is corrected within 6 mts of the injury so having 2 yrs of the injured disc pressing on these roots did cause nerve damage to be permanent. after bout 8 months post op of worse pains than before my surgery it was found that I have chronic pains and nerve damage so I went from being employed full time (manager of accounting dept) to being disabled. but that's life and I have adjusted very well to it -
So as you see there are differences to healing times for everyone. it would be nice if everyone was the same~~
keep us posted - take care - Joy
Report This| Share this:MRI of rotator cuff and tendonitis of spinatus muscle in armhi again -<br /><br />I think the best bet would continue with the PT - normally when a injection is given they will advise doing PT - the shot normally reduces inflammation and with that sometimes the pain will reduce making doing PT a little easier.<br /><br />with this type of injury it does take time to heal and could take up to a year, longer or shorter - everyone is different on healing times. FYI when I had my back fusion surgery (L5-S1) the normal healing time frame is 6 months to a year, possibly longer. A month after my surgery my surgeon allowed me to speak to 2 other people that had same surgery as me. the first one I spoke with was a female and she was about 10 yrs younger than me and by her 3rd month post op she had no pains and was able to stop all pain meds and she had full use, bending forwards, backwards and side to side without any restrictions and she had no pains in her legs. the 2nd person I spoke with was a male and he was 6 yrs older than me (i'm now 51 and my surgery was in 2/08) and by his 5th month post op he was out on the greens playing his favorite sport of golf - he had no restrictions swinging the clubs and was not taking any pain meds - he also did not have any pains in his legs.<br /><br />my surgery was a little different than theirs, though, and I didn't know how bad it was til about 1 1/2 yrs ago when I had rec'd all my MRIs, CT Scans, written reports and the notes from my surgery. My disc had ruptured and it had splintered where part was pressing on the left S1 nerve root and a smaller part on the right S1 nerve root. My disc ruptured in 2006 so during this time of all the treatments, pt etc., nerve damage was setting in my legs. Normally nerve damage can repair itself provided the area is corrected within 6 mts of the injury so having 2 yrs of the injured disc pressing on these roots did cause nerve damage to be permanent. after bout 8 months post op of worse pains than before my surgery it was found that I have chronic pains and nerve damage so I went from being employed full time (manager of accounting dept) to being disabled. but that's life and I have adjusted very well to it -<br /><br />So as you see there are differences to healing times for everyone. it would be nice if everyone was the same~~<br /><br />keep us posted - take care - Joy
FluffyDuffy replied to bj1208's response:
Thank you so much for taking the time answer. I see that my post is a little off topic in it's regarding a shoulder problem. Perhaps this question is a little more on topic for this particular forum.
When I was seen for this rotator cuff injury, I was also diagnosed with developing some kyphosis (Dowager's hump). It's not severe. I think it's still correctible, actually. PT is treating it as well. I'm not in pain from it, but it is uncomfortable. It needs attention. My question is, is an orthopedic surgeon the right person to speak to about it. I have a MRI done of it and you can see the spine starting to take a hard angle turn rather than a curve. There is a bulging disk and a little foraminal narrowing, if I remember correctly from the report.
Anyway, any suggestions on who I should seek out to treat this? Should the orthopedic surgeon be the first stop?
When I was seen for this rotator cuff injury, I was also diagnosed with developing some kyphosis (Dowager's hump). It's not severe. I think it's still correctible, actually. PT is treating it as well. I'm not in pain from it, but it is uncomfortable. It needs attention. My question is, is an orthopedic surgeon the right person to speak to about it. I have a MRI done of it and you can see the spine starting to take a hard angle turn rather than a curve. There is a bulging disk and a little foraminal narrowing, if I remember correctly from the report.
Anyway, any suggestions on who I should seek out to treat this? Should the orthopedic surgeon be the first stop?
Report This| Share this:MRI of rotator cuff and tendonitis of spinatus muscle in armThank you so much for taking the time answer. I see that my post is a little off topic in it's regarding a shoulder problem. Perhaps this question is a little more on topic for this particular forum.<br /> <br />When I was seen for this rotator cuff injury, I was also diagnosed with developing some kyphosis (Dowager's hump). It's not severe. I think it's still correctible, actually. PT is treating it as well. I'm not in pain from it, but it is uncomfortable. It needs attention. My question is, is an orthopedic surgeon the right person to speak to about it. I have a MRI done of it and you can see the spine starting to take a hard angle turn rather than a curve. There is a bulging disk and a little foraminal narrowing, if I remember correctly from the report.<br /> <br />Anyway, any suggestions on who I should seek out to treat this? Should the orthopedic surgeon be the first stop?
davedsel57 replied to FluffyDuffy's response:
Hello.
I can now reply because I have hyperkyphosis as one of the many spinal conditions I manage. The term "kyphosis" it used for a normal curvature of the spine. "Hyper" kyphosis is a curvature more than normal. I have never heard the term Dowager's Hump, but I guess you could say I do have a hump. The hyperkyphosis is largely responsible for the other spinal condition I have.
An orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon would be the best physician to see for this condition. I am not sure what you mean by "correctable". If you are referring to surgery, be extremely cautious and get several opinions.
Read through the Tip at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Physical therapy can help your condition, as well as other treatment. A pain management specialist would also be able to help you manage your spinal conditions.
I pray you can get proper treatment and relief soon.
I can now reply because I have hyperkyphosis as one of the many spinal conditions I manage. The term "kyphosis" it used for a normal curvature of the spine. "Hyper" kyphosis is a curvature more than normal. I have never heard the term Dowager's Hump, but I guess you could say I do have a hump. The hyperkyphosis is largely responsible for the other spinal condition I have.
An orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon would be the best physician to see for this condition. I am not sure what you mean by "correctable". If you are referring to surgery, be extremely cautious and get several opinions.
Read through the Tip at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Physical therapy can help your condition, as well as other treatment. A pain management specialist would also be able to help you manage your spinal conditions.
I pray you can get proper treatment and relief soon.
Click on my user name or avatar picture to read my story.
Blessings,
-Dave
Blessings,
-Dave
Report This| Share this:MRI of rotator cuff and tendonitis of spinatus muscle in armHello.<br /><br />I can now reply because I have hyperkyphosis as one of the many spinal conditions I manage. The term "kyphosis" it used for a normal curvature of the spine. "Hyper" kyphosis is a curvature more than normal. I have never heard the term Dowager's Hump, but I guess you could say I do have a hump. The hyperkyphosis is largely responsible for the other spinal condition I have.<br /><br />An orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon would be the best physician to see for this condition. I am not sure what you mean by "correctable". If you are referring to surgery, be extremely cautious and get several opinions. <br /><br />Read through the Tip at the top of this WebMD Back Pain Community that lists the recommended steps for diagnosing and treating back pain. Physical therapy can help your condition, as well as other treatment. A pain management specialist would also be able to help you manage your spinal conditions.<br /><br />I pray you can get proper treatment and relief soon.
FluffyDuffy replied to davedsel57's response:
Thank you for responding, Dave. Yes, you are correct. It's hyperkyphosis. Thank you for the prayers.
Report This| Share this:MRI of rotator cuff and tendonitis of spinatus muscle in armThank you for responding, Dave. Yes, you are correct. It's hyperkyphosis. Thank you for the prayers.
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