Q. Can shoulder pain due to injury last more than a month?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I have carefully gone through all your magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) images (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Unfortunately, I find that there is some injury to the shoulder joint.

I do not see any fracture in the computed tomography (CT) scan. However, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan shows a bony contusion or a bone bruise at the greater tubercle of the humerus (the outer surface of the shoulder). Bone contusions can last for quite long after an injury and can bother a person. I think this may require some medication and therapy (physiotherapy and hot or cold compression).

The other finding on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is fluid collection in the rotator interval, signifying rotator interval tear. This is a combination of ligaments that bind the arm to the shoulder. So this tear can also be quite distressing. There is also some sharp linear fluid intensity along the upper margin & anterior edge of the glenoid, which may mimic labral injury, but represent sublabral foramen & recess.

So, in summary, you have got some ligament injury and bone bruise.

Thanks and regards.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for getting back to us. Actually, there is not a specific severity grading for rotator interval tears. The classification only says that surgery may be required if the tear is "large enough" (which seems so on the MRI) and produces significant symptoms (as assessed by the orthopedician). So, I think your next course of action would be to consult an orthopedics or trauma surgeon and follow their advice. I wish you all the best.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

After examining your recent MRI (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) and comparing it with the previous MRI that is three months old, I find that both the bone bruise and the rotator interval tear are significantly improved (in fact, it took me some time to locate them in the new images, as they are now subtle). So, I feel it is good news for you.

It also means that your doctor did a prudent job asking for a recent scan before going for a decision. I hope you will feel relieved now and will soon progress toward recovery.

Best wishes.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

From the appearance of the present MRI and the significant improvement compared to the previous, I feel you need not make haste, i.e., about changing doctors, etc. However, I feel that both rotator interval and bone bruise are quite obvious in the earlier MRI.

Anyway, the bottom line is that things are improving, and if you do not have significant pain in your shoulder, you can wait and see.

Best wishes.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Shoyab

Experience: 14 + Yrs

Radiodiagnosis

---

Related Questions:
I have shoulder pain radiating to arms and hands. Kindly advise.

.. read your concern and below is my opinion for your case. It can be nerve compression pain due to a bulging disc in the cervical spine area. I suggest you get your detailed neurological evaluation. You should get investigated with cervical spine di...   Read full

Is surgery the only option to heal shoulder labrum tear?

.. gone through your history as well as the MRI report attached to it (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I would recommend surgery to you if you wish to continue playing badminton or any activity with overhead action or involving throw...   Read full

Getting clicking sound in my shoulder while doing exercise. What could be the problem?

.. gone through your query and can understand your concerns. The symptoms you have mentioned suggest the possibility of a musculoskeletal disorder called snapping scapula syndrome, but we have to rule out other condition before commencing the treatme...   Read full