A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has revealed a startling statistic: a staggering 99 percent of adults over the age of 40 exhibit at least one abnormality in their rotator cuff on an MRI scan. This finding is particularly significant given that shoulder pain is a widespread complaint, and the rotator cuff, responsible for shoulder stability, is frequently implicated. However, the research suggests that the widespread presence of these "abnormalities" on MRIs may be leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
The study, conducted by Finnish researchers, analysed 602 participants aged 41 to 76, who provided details about their shoulder pain and underwent MRIs of both shoulders. Astonishingly, of those who reported no shoulder symptoms, 96 percent still showed rotator cuff abnormalities. The most common findings included partial-thickness tears, tendinopathy, and even full-thickness tears, with prevalence increasing with age. Crucially, when researchers adjusted for other factors, the distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders regarding full-thickness tears disappeared.
This research strongly suggests that many of these so-called "abnormalities" are, in fact, normal age-related changes rather than indicators of clinically significant problems requiring intervention. The study authors and accompanying editorialists are urging a shift in how MRI findings are interpreted and communicated to patients. They advocate for more neutral terminology, such as 'lesion,' 'defect,' or 'structural alteration,' to avoid alarming patients with terms like 'tear' that imply trauma and an immediate need for repair. The consensus is that while MRIs can be a useful diagnostic tool, they should not be the sole determinant of treatment. Clinical history, physical examination, and functional limitations of the shoulder should remain the primary guides in managing shoulder pain, with imaging findings considered in context.
Fuente Original: https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/02/99-of-adults-over-40-have-shoulder-abnormalities-on-an-mri-study-finds/
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