Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Rotator Cuff Pathologies in Patients Presenting with Shoulder Pain at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Background
Chronic shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint associated with functional disability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in identifying underlying structural abnormalities, particularly those related to rotator cuff pathology. This study aimed to find the demographic, clinical, and MRI characteristics of patients with chronic shoulder pain at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Methods
A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, Nepal, over a period from 2081 to 2082 B.S. A total of 154 patients with clinically suspected chronic shoulder pain who underwent shoulder MRI were included. Data on socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected using a structured proforma. MRI findings were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 20.
Results
The mean age of patients was 45.9 ± 18.0 years, with a predominance of the 35-65 years age group (66.23%). Males constituted 59.09% of cases. Housewives were the most affected occupational group (37.7%). The mean duration of pain was 10.04 ± 4.8 months, and 63.6% had prior treatment history. The right shoulder was more frequently involved (70.78%), and most patients presented with moderate to severe pain. MRI revealed rotator cuff pathology in 43.51% of cases, with supraspinatus tendon involvement being most common (69%). Partial tears of the supraspinatus were the predominant lesion (55.22%), while bursitis and acromioclavicular joint arthropathy were also noted.
Conclusions
Rotator cuff pathology, particularly supraspinatus tendon involvement with partial-thickness tears, is the leading cause of chronic shoulder pain. Early MRI evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.