Editorial Commentary: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reveals Rotator Cuff Tear Size, Retraction, Length, and Geometry; Muscle Volume and Degeneration; and Tendon Quality.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder is commonly used for evaluating muscle bulk and fatty degeneration, as well as tendon tear size, geometry, retraction, and length. However, MRI can also be used to evaluate tendon quality. Increased rotator cuff tendon signal on T2-weighted fat-suppressed MRI appears to be a marker of tendon degeneration and potentially of impaired healing potential. Tendon signal intensity merits closer attention and may be especially relevant when selecting chronic degenerative tears for repair in patients with other risk factors for nonhealing.