MRI findings predict shoulder stiffness for rotator cuff tears
Two MRI findings -- joint capsule edema and thickness at the axillary recess, specifically -- proved useful in predicting stiff shoulder in patients with small to large (< 5 cm) full-thickness rotator cuff tears, according to new research. This study is important because it is the first to highlight joint capsule abnormality on MRI as a factor associated with stiff shoulder in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears.