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The radiologic work-up of shoulder pain in the aging athlete should be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the patient and physician. The value of high quality plain radiographs cannot be over-emphasized. When a more sophisticated imagine is necessary, the choice between arthrography, ultrasound, or MRI imaging is not straightforward. Arthrography is an excellent test to demonstrate full rotator cuff tears. In competitive athletes, a more sophisticated look at the rotator cuff and adjacent structures may be desired, which can be satisfied by MR imaging.

Rapid, thorough and cost effective radiologic evaluation of the traumatized spine can be performed through a tailored sequential approach. The radiologic evaluation is performed in conjunction with clinical management, and therefore communication between clinical and radiological services is essential. Judicious use of CT and MRI can provide critical information, particularly in the symptomatic patient with 'normal' radiographs.