[dagma1]

Hello,

I was rear ended by 2 vehicles 7 months ago, suffered a concussion, whiplash, shoulder injury, went through PT and OT, my neck still hurts but my shoulder, even though it improved greatly from PT, is still giving me pain, especially at the front of my shoulder when I lift my arm up, it throbs almost constantly.

My Dr. sent me for an MRI without the dye and I have the results and wonder if anyone can decipher it for me?

The subacromial-subteltoid bursa contains a tiny amount of fluid compatible with minimal bursitis.

Rotator cuff tendons have minimal to mild amount of poorly marginated increased intermediate signal compatible with minimum to mild tendinopathy.

The acromioclavicular articulation has mild arthritis.

Acromion has mild lateral downsloping effacing the subacromial laterally.

Rotator tendons are without significant fluid signal tear identified.

When my family Dr. read the results he said..."You are fine, take ibuprofen..."

Well, no I don't feel fine, my shoulder hurts and some days are worse than others.

Anyone have any advice? it hurts to put my arm over my head, when I pick a drink up etc.

Thank you for any help.

[Jomar]

You might explore our thoracic outlet syndrome forum (TOS for short).
What you mention could be related and the whiplash/shoulder injury combo can be a factor in TOS. Not many drs are in the know about TOS, but good PTs and some chiros are more familiar with it.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html
be sure to check out the sticky threads.

[dagma1]

Thank you very much for your reply, heading over to the TOS forum to post.

[ShaggyChic_1201]

I'm not a doc, but I am a professional shoulder patient

Your mri findings have all the hallmarks of impingement syndrome, in which the tendon gets pinched between the humerous and the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The fact that your AC joint slopes down is very likely the culprit. IDK how old you are, but tendons fray as we age, and this can lead to a rotator cuff tear.

Were I you, I'd see another orthopedic surgeon. An arthroscopic AC debridement and decompression may give you the relief you need.

Good luck

[Jon_sparky]

I agree with shaggychic, get another specialist to look at the MRI. The first doctor I went to recommended PT, the second saw a huge rotator cuff tear, which he fixed with surgery.
Good luck!