Does An MRI Of The Arm And Shoulder Is Required If The X-ray Report Shows Nothing?

Posted on Tue, 30 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 Answered on

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doc my name is dave and I am 64 years old. I fell and landed on my arm and shoulder. Went to my doctor they took Xrays did not show nothing. Do I need to get a MRI ?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI scan is advisable

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have worked through your attached query in detail.

X-ray shoulder doesn't usually pick up soft tissue abnormalities like ligament or cartilage injuries.

In presence of persistent pain, it's advisable to go for the MRI Scan to rule out cartilage or ligament injuries.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care,
Dr. Suresh Heijebu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee