OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Clarity on My Medical Results

Hello doctors, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the medical jargon. Could someone help me understand my results in simpler language? Will I need another surgery, and how soon can I get back to playing sports? I am a 30-year-old male, weigh 76 kg, and I don't smoke. Here's a summary of my imaging findings: It looks like I’ve had a previous repair of the posterior labrum. There's still an intermediate signal cleft that runs from the posterior superior area to the back part of the labrum, although the posterior labrum itself seems stable without any major displacement. The rest of the labrum appears intact. The humeral head is somewhat positioned towards the back but is still in the normal glenoid shape. The cartilage in the glenohumeral joint is fairly well preserved, although there are ganglion cysts located in the humeral head, particularly between where the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons connect. There are also minor instances of marrow edema and additional ganglion cysts in the anterior superior part of the humeral head. A small effusion is present in the glenohumeral joint, but no loose bodies can be seen within it. Some minimal edema is noted in the axillary pouch, especially around where the inferior glenohumeral ligament attaches to the humerus. The rotator interval shows no significant signal changes. The long head of the biceps tendon and its sheath look normal, and the attachment to the posterior superior labrum is secure. The subscapularis tendon appears slightly heterogeneous and swollen, indicating mild tendinosis. There is a mild tendinosis noted in the anterior mid-section of the supraspinatus tendon, while the infraspinatus and teres minor tendons remain intact. Fortunately, the bulk of the rotator cuff muscles is well maintained. The acromion has a curved shape, and the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is normal, with an expected amount of fluid in the subacromial bursa. Additionally, the deltoid muscle bulk is preserved. To summarize, there are no signs of any recent significant instability. It appears there may be a sprain involving the humeral side of the inferior glenohumeral ligament and axillary pouch, along with mild post-traumatic tendinosis in the subscapularis and supraspinatus muscles. Importantly, there is no tear in the rotator cuff, and the repair of the posterior superior labrum remains intact.

Answers (1)

3/27/2025, 5:20:42 AM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points: Your imaging results indicate some ongoing issues in your shoulder, but there is no major damage that would definitely require surgery. You might be able to resume sports once you address the mild tendinosis and any inflammation.

Explanation: Here’s a simpler breakdown of your results:

• Previous Labrum Repair: You had previous surgery on your labrum (a ring of cartilage in your shoulder) that seems to have healed well.
• Stable Labrum: There's some signal indicating a minor issue, but your labrum is stable, which is encouraging.
• Ganglion Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can occur near joints and tendons. They may not need treatment unless they cause pain or interfere with movement.
• Tendinosis: You have mild wear in the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons, which is called tendinosis. This means these tendons are slightly damaged but not torn.
• Joint Effusion: There is some fluid in your shoulder joint, which might indicate irritation or inflammation, but it’s not significant.
• Normal Structure: Your rotator cuff is intact, and other structures appear normal.

Next Steps:

1. Rest and Modify Activities: Avoid activities that put too much stress on your shoulder, particularly overhead sports, until symptoms improve.

2. Physical Therapy: Engage in a structured physical therapy program focusing on strengthening the shoulder muscles and improving flexibility. A therapist can provide specific exercises tailored to your condition.

3. Pain Management: If you're experiencing discomfort, consider using ice on your shoulder and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, as needed.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in pain or function. If you notice worsening symptoms or if your shoulder doesn’t improve, reassess with your healthcare provider.

5. Follow-up Regarding Sports: Discuss with your physical therapist or physician about when it might be safe to return to your sports, based on how you feel and any improvements noted.

By focusing on these steps, you can manage your shoulder health effectively and work towards a return to sports as soon as it is safe to do so. I'm here if you have further questions or need clarification!