Numerous imaging pitfalls of normal variants due to imaging technique and artifacts can be seen on routine magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder. Familiarity with these pitfalls is crucial to avoiding diagnostic errors. Understanding of the common causes of shoulder imaging artifacts will enable the radiologist to make rational changes in imaging technique to eliminate or reduce the effects of artifacts on magnetic resonance images. This pictorial essay highlights possible pitfalls that arise from imaging techniques, imaging artifacts, and normal variations, and how they may be recognized.
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