Study: 99% of Adults Over 40 Show Shoulder Abnormalities on MRI Scans

Summary

A study examining shoulder MRI scans in adults over 40 found that 99% showed abnormalities, with similar prevalence in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The research analyzed 1,204 shoulders, revealing that 90% were asymptomatic while 10% were symptomatic. Among asymptomatic shoulders, 96% had rotator cuff abnormalities, and among symptomatic shoulders, 98% had abnormalities. The prevalence of tendinopathy and partial-thickness tears was similar between groups, though full-thickness tears initially appeared more common in symptomatic groups until statistical adjustments were made.