MagniscreenMRI Protocols & Planning
Protocol Explorer

MSK protocol

Shoulder MRI

Routine shoulder MRI protocol for marrow abnormalities, synovial disorders, cartilaginous defects, soft tissue mass, fractures, and ligament tears. Performed without contrast with optional postcontrast sequences when indicated.

mskshoulderrotator cuffligamentmarrowcartilagesoft tissue massfracturewithout contrastconditional contrast

For protocol planning and internal reference only. Follow institutional MRI safety screening, contrast, dosage, and GFR policies.

Decision supportContrast GuidanceDefault contrast approach and conditional indications.

Contrast indications

No routine contrast indications listed for this noncontrast protocol.

Dose notes

  • Follow department policy regarding contrast administration and dosing.
  • Refer to policy regarding dosage and GFR deficiencies.
Acquisition listSequencesRequired and conditional series for the exam.
SequencePlanePhaseRequiredNotes
Localizer AxialaxialnoncontrastYes-
Localizer 3 PlaneAnynoncontrastYes-
Axial T2 FSaxialnoncontrastYes-
Coronal T2 FScoronalnoncontrastYes-
Coronal T1coronalnoncontrastYes-
Sagittal T2 FSsagittalnoncontrastYes-
Sagittal T1sagittalnoncontrastYes-
Axial T1 FS PreaxialprecontrastConditionalAcquire when contrast is indicated.
InjectAnyconditionalConditionalPerform injection step when contrast is indicated.
Axial T1 FS +CaxialpostcontrastConditionalAcquire when contrast is indicated.
Coronal T1 FS +CcoronalpostcontrastConditionalAcquire when contrast is indicated.
PositioningSlice PlanningPlane-specific planning instructions and guide images for technologists.

axial

Axial planning

  • Align slices parallel to the glenohumeral joint.
  • Cover from the scapular notch through the head of the humerus.
  • Field of view must cover the deltoid to the medial border of the scapula.

Shoulder axial planning

axial

Source slide: 73. Cropped planning image from SHOULDER CENTER AT GLENOHUMERAL JOINT / Axial.

sagittal

Sagittal planning

  • Align slices perpendicular to the supraspinatus muscle or parallel to the glenohumeral joint.
  • Cover from the AC joint through the root of the glenoid.

Shoulder sagittal planning

sagittal

Source slide: 75. Cropped planning image from SHOULDER / Sagittal.

coronal

Coronal planning

  • Align slices parallel to the supraspinatus muscle or perpendicular to the glenohumeral joint.
  • Cover from the AC joint through below the glenohumeral joint.

Shoulder coronal planning

coronal

Source slide: 74. Cropped planning image from SHOULDER / Coronal.

Anatomic extentCoverage RulesMinimum coverage expectations and alignment rules.

axial

Axial field of view

Cover from the scapular notch through the head of the humerus, deltoid to medial border of scapula.

axial

Axial alignment

Align slices parallel to the glenohumeral joint.

sagittal

Sagittal field of view

Cover from the AC joint through the root of the glenoid.

sagittal

Sagittal alignment

Align perpendicular to the supraspinatus muscle or parallel to the glenohumeral joint.

coronal

Coronal field of view

Cover from the AC joint through below the glenohumeral joint.

coronal

Coronal alignment

Align parallel to the supraspinatus muscle or perpendicular to the glenohumeral joint.

TechniqueSuggested Technique SpecificationsPlane-level vendor-neutral guidance from the source protocol.

axial

slice thickness
<= 4.0 mm
gap
<= 1.0 mm

sagittal

slice thickness
<= 4.0 mm
gap
<= 1.0 mm

coronal

slice thickness
<= 4.0 mm
gap
<= 1.0 mm
Conditional workflowSpecial SituationsAdjustments for contrast, hardware, and protocol-specific conditions.

Contrast indicated

  • Add axial T1 FS precontrast sequence.
  • Perform injection step.
  • Add axial T1 FS postcontrast sequence.
  • Add coronal T1 FS postcontrast sequence.

Larger patient

  • Use flex coil in place of shoulder coil.
Future detailAdvancedSource-backed scanner, vendor, and site-specific notes when available.

Advanced technical details, scanner variants, and planning guide assets can appear here as protocol data expands.