Understanding My Shoulder Dislocations: MRI Results Are Confusing
User M20 89KG 183CM Smoker Since May of last year, I have experienced six dislocations in my right shoulder, with the latest incident occurring just two weeks ago. I am an MMA fighter and practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. During my most recent dislocation, the physician who reset my shoulder had trouble because it repeatedly popped out as he attempted to put it back in place – this happened several times. He harshly remarked that I was 'subhuman,' indicating that my shoulder condition was dire. He recommended that I undergo an MRI scan after the inflammation subsided, so I had the procedure done today. However, the results are perplexing, and here's what they show: MRI Findings: - There is bone marrow edema and contusion in the subchondral area of the right humeral head. - The glenohumeral joint and labrum appear normal. - Tendons of the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles are all normal. - The biceps tendon shows no abnormal intensity. - Bone marrow and the humeral head are also normal. I was expecting a recommendation for either a Laterjet or Bankart surgical procedure, yet these results indicate that everything is normal, even though I struggle with basic shoulder movements. To those who might suggest physiotherapy or rehabilitation, I previously committed eight months to physical rehab with the best specialist in my country, but my shoulder dislocated as soon as I resumed training for MMA. Can anyone help me understand how the MRI results appear normal while I am unable to perform simple overhead movements and my shoulder dislocates with minimal effort? It has been disheartening to watch my friends compete and thrive while I deal with this persistent shoulder injury.
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 1:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're experiencing with your shoulder. It’s clear this situation is both frustrating and impacting your training and daily activities significantly. Let’s break down the MRI results and your concerns together.
Main Points:
- Your MRI results indicate some bone marrow edema but no significant abnormalities in the surrounding structures.
- Persistent dislocations, despite rehabilitation, suggest issues beyond what the MRI shows, possibly related to instability or muscular control.
Explanation: The MRI findings reveal bone marrow edema, which indicates some level of inflammation or stress in the area, but the structures that usually contribute to dislocations, like the labrum and rotator cuff tendons, appear normal. This can be confusing, especially when your symptoms don’t align with these findings.
It's possible that your shoulder instability may stem from functional issues, such as muscular control or proprioception (awareness of where your shoulder is in space), rather than from structural damage that an MRI might typically reveal. Dislocations in athletes, particularly in contact sports like MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, can occur from a combination of hypermobility, weakness in stabilizing muscles, or neurological factors influencing joint stability.
Next Steps:
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Focus on Stability Training: Since your previous rehabilitation didn’t yield the desired results, consider seeking a specialist in shoulder instability who can focus on a tailored rehabilitation program. Look for one that combines specific stability exercises, proprioceptive training, and possibly neuromuscular re-education.
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Soft-Tissue Assessment: It's beneficial to have an assessment by a physiotherapist or sports medicine specialist who specializes in functional movement. They may identify underlying issues that could contribute to instability beyond what the MRI shows.
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Alternative Therapies: Explore adjunct therapies such as sports massage, acupuncture, or electrical stimulation, which may improve your shoulder's sensitivity and overall stability.
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Consider a Second Opinion: Given the complexity and ongoing nature of your injury, seeking opinions from another orthopedic specialist might provide alternative insights or recommendations regarding potential surgical options tailored specifically to your case.
Remember, you're not alone in this; many athletes face similar struggles, and finding the right approach may take time and patience. Stay strong, and let me know if you have more questions or need further assistance.
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