Indications for imaging/ referral/ surgical intervention In some cases, the results of these tests might indicate the need for a referral to an orthopedist or for imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Arthrography. The MRI has become the test of choice for most significant shoulder injuries (9). Partial tears, small tears and chronic full thickness tears in individuals >65 years old should be treated conservatively before surgery is considered. However, symptomatic, full-thickness rotator cuff tears, especially in a young patient population, should be surgically repaired as soon as possible because of increased risk of tear progression (10,11). Generally, surgical interventions are indicated
