08/12/2025
Understanding MRI Findings in Asymptomatic Individuals
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has revolutionized diagnostic medicine, offering detailed insights into the body's internal structures. However, its power to detect abnormalities can sometimes lead to misinterpretation—especially when findings are present in individuals without symptoms. The image highlights a crucial point: many common MRI findings reflect normal age-related changes rather than pathological conditions requiring intervention.
Age-Related Changes Are Common
Studies show that spinal disc degeneration is prevalent even in young adults, with rates rising from 37% in 20-year-olds to a staggering 96% in 80-year-olds. Disc bulges, protrusions, and annular fissures also increase with age and are frequently found in people who report no pain. Similarly, facet joint arthritis and spondylolisthesis—often associated with back discomfort—can appear in healthy individuals without causing symptoms.
Shoulder and Hip Findings
In the shoulder, rotator cuff tears—both partial and full-thickness—are increasingly common with age, even among active individuals. These tears may be discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues and do not always correlate with pain or functional impairment.
The hip joint also shows similar trends. Labral tears, cartilage defects, and bone cysts are often detected in asymptomatic patients. These findings, while potentially alarming on imaging, may simply reflect the natural wear and tear of aging rather than a clinical problem.
Clinical Correlation Is Essential
The key takeaway is that MRI findings must be interpreted in the context of a patient’s symptoms and clinical presentation. Imaging alone cannot determine the source of pain or dysfunction. Over-reliance on MRI results without considering the broader clinical picture can lead to unnecessary treatments or anxiety.
Osteopaths use MRIs as just one tool, physical examination is also used for a diagnosis.
