Synopsis

Shoulder disease is common in the athletic population. The unparalleled velocity achieved by overhead throwers subjects the shoulder to extreme forces, resulting in adaptive changes and pathologic findings that can be detected at imaging.A key biomechanical principle of throwing is achieving maximum external rotation, which initially leads to adaptive changes that may result in a pathologic cascade of injuries. Magnetic resonance imaging most important imaging modality to athletic shoulder pathologies and knowledge of injury patterns specific to throwing shoulder help radiologist identify the total spectrum of abnormalities and provide more relevant clinical insight to treating orthopedic surgeon.