Imaging · London
Private shoulder MRI in London, read by a musculoskeletal radiologist.
Indicative pricing
What a shoulder MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£275-£500, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder MRI (single, without contrast) | £275–£500 | 20–30 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Both shoulders | £450–£800 | 40–55 min | 24–72 hrs |
| MR arthrogram (with contrast injection) | £450–£900 | 45–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Rotator cuff protocol | £300–£550 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Instability / labral protocol | £350–£650 | 30–45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Post-operative shoulder review | £300–£600 | 25–40 min | 24–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether a contrast arthrogram is used.
The problem
The right shoulder answer sometimes needs an arthrogram.
A standard MRI answers most cuff questions - but a labral tear after a dislocation is far clearer with a contrast arthrogram. Knowing which you need, on a 3T scanner read by a musculoskeletal radiologist, is what turns a scan into an answer.
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Not sure if you need one?
Sometimes physiotherapy or a specialist review is the better first step.
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Not sure who reads it?
Look for clinics where a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist reports the study.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
A shoulder packs tendons, cartilage and joint into a small space. These are the most common problems.
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Rotator cuff tears
The clearest test for a partial or full-thickness tear of the tendons that lift and rotate the arm.
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Impingement & bursitis
Shows pinching of the tendons and inflammation of the bursa that causes pain on lifting.
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Frozen shoulder
Supports the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis and rules out other causes of a stiff, painful shoulder.
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Labral tears (SLAP/Bankart)
Detects tears of the cartilage rim, best shown with an MR arthrogram after a dislocation.
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Dislocation & instability
Assesses the ligaments and bone after the shoulder has slipped or fully dislocated.
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Biceps tendon problems
Looks at the long head of the biceps for inflammation, partial tears or dislocation.
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Arthritis & joint wear
Maps wear of the main and AC joints, and any associated bone-marrow change.
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Post-surgery review
Assesses a cuff repair or stabilisation and looks for a new or recurrent problem.
Shoulder MRI types
Not all shoulder scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard shoulder MRI
The everyday shoulder scan - tendons, muscles, joint and bone. No injection needed.
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MR arthrogram
Contrast injected into the joint to show labral and subtle cuff tears in fine detail - key after a dislocation.
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Rotator cuff protocol
Sequences tuned to grade cuff tears and the state of the muscle before any repair.
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Instability / labral
A focused study of the labrum and ligaments for a shoulder that slips or has dislocated.
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Both-shoulder comparison
Images both shoulders in one visit when symptoms are bilateral or for a baseline.
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Post-operative shoulder
Tailored to assess a cuff repair or stabilisation and separate it from a new problem.
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3T high-resolution
A stronger magnet for sharper detail of small tendons and the cartilage rim.
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Frozen shoulder work-up
Sequences that support adhesive capsulitis and exclude other causes of stiffness.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
A few situations need a quick check - shoulder anchors and plates are common and usually fine.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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Shoulder replacements, screws and anchors
Almost always MRI-safe. They may cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. The scanning centre will need this from your hospital.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Claustrophobia
A shoulder scan places you off-centre in the bore.
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Dental work, tattoos, coils
Almost always fine. Iron-based tattoo ink may warm slightly - tell the radiographer.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if a contrast arthrogram is planned.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A shoulder report can look intimidating. It isn't.
A shoulder report keeps to the same four-part shape every time.
A quiet reminder
It speaks to your surgeon or GP, not to you - by design.
If you would like it explained before your follow-up, ask your GP or specialist.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the shoulder that was imaged, and the referrer’s question.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used (proton density, T2, fat-suppressed). Each highlights tendon, cartilage and bone differently.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structure-by-structure description of the cuff, labrum, biceps and joint, including any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The verdict in a line or two - read it first. Your surgeon or GP fills in the rest.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about shoulder MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, arthrograms, claustrophobia and results.
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What can a shoulder MRI show?
Rotator cuff tears, impingement and bursitis, frozen shoulder, labral tears, instability after dislocation, biceps tendon problems and arthritis - soft-tissue detail that X-ray cannot show.
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How much does a private shoulder MRI cost in London?
An MR arthrogram or both shoulders cost more.
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Do I need a referral for a shoulder MRI?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a standard shoulder MRI.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
Not for a standard shoulder MRI. Contrast is used in an MR arthrogram, injected into the joint to show labral and subtle cuff tears - often after a dislocation. The clinic should explain in advance if it is recommended.
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How long does a shoulder MRI take?
A standard shoulder MRI takes about 20-30 minutes. An arthrogram takes longer because of the injection. You lie on your back with the arm positioned by the radiographer.
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Can I have a shoulder MRI if I am claustrophobic?
It is worth telling the clinic - a shoulder scan places you slightly off-centre in the bore. A wide-bore or open MRI, music and an eye mask, or a mild sedative may be options.
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What is the difference between a standard scan and an arthrogram?
A standard MRI is enough for most cuff problems. An arthrogram, where contrast is injected into the joint, shows the labrum and subtle tears far more clearly - important after a dislocation.
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How quickly will I get the results?
Your consultant musculoskeletal radiologist report is normally ready in 24-72 hours, and with your consent the report and images can be shared with your GP or specialist.
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Will my insurance cover a shoulder MRI?
Shoulder MRI is usually covered when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.
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Is a shoulder MRI safe?
It carries no ionising radiation and is extremely safe. The only real check is for certain metal implants, done before you arrive.