Before TSA, MRI is used to confirm arthritis and RTC; what two factors influence eligibility?

Before TSA, MRI is used to confirm arthritis and RTC; what two factors influence eligibility?

• A. Age and critical angle
• B. Weight and height
• C. Blood pressure
• D. Smoking status

Answer: (A)

MRI before total shoulder arthroplasty is guided by factors that influence how much the imaging will add to surgical planning. Age matters because older patients have a higher likelihood of degenerative shoulder conditions, such as arthritis and rotator cuff tears, which MRI can characterize in detail to plan the procedure. The critical shoulder angle is a radiographic measure obtained on a standard shoulder X-ray that reflects the relationship between glenoid orientation and acromial overhang; a larger angle is associated with rotator cuff disease, while a smaller angle tends to align with osteoarthritis patterns. Knowing this angle helps determine whether MRI is likely to reveal the specific pathology needed to confirm eligibility and guide the surgical plan. Other factors like weight and height, blood pressure, or smoking status influence perioperative risk more generally but do not directly determine whether MRI is indicated for TSA planning.

MRI before total shoulder arthroplasty is guided by factors that influence how much the imaging will add to surgical planning. Age matters because older patients have a higher likelihood of degenerative shoulder conditions, such as arthritis and rotator cuff tears, which MRI can characterize in detail to plan the procedure. The critical shoulder angle is a radiographic measure obtained on a standard shoulder X-ray that reflects the relationship between glenoid orientation and acromial overhang; a larger angle is associated with rotator cuff disease, while a smaller angle tends to align with osteoarthritis patterns. Knowing this angle helps determine whether MRI is likely to reveal the specific pathology needed to confirm eligibility and guide the surgical plan. Other factors like weight and height, blood pressure, or smoking status influence perioperative risk more generally but do not directly determine whether MRI is indicated for TSA planning.