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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2025; 29(03): 432-441
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1805076
Review Article

Shoulder Cuff Tears in Athletes: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Stefano Lusi 
1   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
,
Maxime Lacroix
2   Department of Radiology, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, AP-HP Centre, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
,
Henri Guerini
3   Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP Centre, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
,
Raphaël Campagna
3   Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP Centre, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
,
Jean-Luc Drapé
3   Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP Centre, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
,
Antoine Feydy
3   Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP Centre, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly rotator cuff tears, are common in sport and can significantly impact athletes' performance and recovery. The rotator cuff stabilizes the glenohumeral joint, with the supraspinatus muscle the most susceptible to injury due to its central role in abduction and stabilization. Rotator cuff tears in athletes are in general the result of chronic microtrauma in an overused shoulder, but they can result after direct acute trauma. Sports-specific movements, such as overhead throwing, repetitive abduction, or heavy lifting, predispose athletes to different injury patterns. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of rotator cuff tears, providing detailed insight into tendon integrity, muscle changes, and associated labral or bone pathology. Return-to-play decisions depend on the severity of the injury, the management approach, and complex multidisciplinary considerations. Rehabilitation protocols are critical, with most athletes returning to sport, often at preinjury levels.

Keywords

shoulder - rotator cuff - tears - sports injury - athletes


Publication History

Article published online:
20 May 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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