Differential Diagnosis for Shoulder Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: The MRI findings of strain/tears of the subscapularis and teres minor, mild bursal sided fraying of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, and the absence of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear suggest rotator cuff tendinopathy as the most likely diagnosis. The patient's symptoms of shoulder pain are consistent with this condition.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Labral Tear: The presence of mild intrasubstance and free edge tearing/fraying of the superior and anterior labrum could indicate a labral tear, which is a common cause of shoulder pain.
- Acromioclavicular Joint Osteoarthritis: The finding of mild to moderate acromioclavicular joint osteoarthrosis could contribute to the patient's shoulder pain, especially if the joint is inflamed or irritated.
- Adhesive Capsulitis: Although not directly mentioned in the MRI findings, the presence of a glenohumeral joint effusion and the patient's symptoms of shoulder pain could suggest adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: Although the MRI findings do not suggest an infectious process, septic arthritis is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The presence of a joint effusion and shoulder pain could be indicative of septic arthritis.
- Glenohumeral Joint Instability: The labral tear and the presence of a glenohumeral joint effusion could suggest glenohumeral joint instability, which is a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Synovial Chondromatosis: The presence of an ovoid, probably mineralized body within the subscapular recess could suggest synovial chondromatosis, a rare condition characterized by the formation of cartilaginous nodules within the joint.
- Tumoral Calcinosis: The mineralized body within the subscapular recess could also suggest tumoral calcinosis, a rare condition characterized by the deposition of calcium salts within the soft tissues.