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World J Radiol. Sep 28, 2011; 3(9): 224-232
Published online Sep 28, 2011. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v3.i9.224
Magnetic resonance imaging in glenohumeral instability
Manisha Jana, Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, 110029 New Delhi, India
Shivanand Gamanagatti, Department of Radiology, JPNA Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar 110029 New Delhi, India
Author contributions: All authors have equally contributed to the manuscript drafting, manuscript revision and final manuscript checking.
Correspondence to: Dr. Shivanand Gamanagatti, Associate Professor, Department of Radiology, JPNA Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India. shiv223@rediffmail.com
Telephone: +91-11-26594567 Fax: +91-11-26588641
Received: April 9, 2011
Revised: July 28, 2011
Accepted: August 4, 2011
Published online: September 28, 2011

Abstract

The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint of the body and anterior instability is the most common type of shoulder instability. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and more recently, MR arthrography, have become the essential investigation modalities of glenohumeral instability, especially for pre-procedure evaluation before arthroscopic surgery. Injuries associated with glenohumeral instability are variable, and can involve the bones, the labor-ligamentous components, or the rotator cuff. Anterior instability is associated with injuries of the anterior labrum and the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, in the form of Bankart lesion and its variants; whereas posterior instability is associated with reverse Bankart and reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. Multidirectional instability often has no labral pathology on imaging but shows specific osseous changes such as increased chondrolabral retroversion. This article reviews the relevant anatomy in brief, the MR imaging technique and the arthrographic technique, and describes the MR findings in each type of instability as well as common imaging pitfalls.

Key Words: Shoulder joint; Instability; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic resonance arthrogram



INTRODUCTION

Shoulder joint is the most mobile and most commonly dislocated joint of the body[1]. Injuries to this joint leading to dislocation, subluxation and fracture are common, especially in young active individuals. Glenohumeral instability can be classified differently (Table 1) based on the etiopathogenesis (traumatic or atraumatic), direction of dislocation (anterior or posterior) or chronicity (acute or chronic). Traumatic anterior instability (often represented by the term TUBS; Traumatic, Unidirectional, Bankart, Surgical) is the most common clinical entity compared to atraumatic multidirectional instability[1]. Anterior dislocation comprises the majority (95%) of all cases; whereas posterior dislocation is less common[1].

Table 1 Classification of glenohumeral instability.
ClassificationTypes of instability
AnatomicAnterior
Posterior
Multidirectional
EtiologicTraumatic (TUBS)
Atraumatic (AMBRI)
Clinical courseAcute
Recurrent
Degree of instabilitySubluxation
Dislocation

In this article, we will review the anatomy, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and recent advancements in imaging of glenohumeral instability, and commonly encountered abnormalities in glenohumeral instability.

ANATOMY

The shoulder girdle is comprised of three joints, the glenohumeral joint, the acromioclavicular joint and the sternoclavicular joint. The glenohumeral joint, a ball- and socket type of joint, is the main component of the shoulder girdle mechanism[1]. The glenoid labrum is a fibrocartilage located at the glenoid rim which increases the depth by 2-4 mm (50%)[2] and increases the articular surface of the socket by 1 cm. Normal glenoid labrum appears as a triangular structure at the glenoid margin, having hypointense signal intensity on all sequences (Figure 1)[1]. Principal stabilizing mechanisms of the shoulder joint are the rotator cuff tendons (dynamic stabilizers) and the glenoid labrum and the ligaments (static stabilizers)[2]. The rotator cuff tendons are comprised of four tendons arranged around the shoulder girdle: the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. Normal tendons appear hypointense on T1-weighted (T1W) as well as T2-weighted (T2W) images[1,2].

Figure 1
Figure 1 Normal T1-weighted TSE fat-saturated axial magnetic resonance arthrogram image. The anterior and posterior labrum appears as triangular hypointense structures (straight arrows). Normal middle glenohumeral ligament has been shown with an arrowhead. Note the long head of biceps tendon in the bicipital groove and extension of joint fluid around the tendon (dashed arrow).

Glenohumeral ligaments (superior, middle and inferior) are thickenings of the capsule of the glenohumeral joint. Normal glenohumeral ligaments appear as hypointense linear bands, best documented after joint distension on magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography (Figures 2-4). The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) is made up of two components, the anterior and the posterior bands[1,2]. The anterior band of the IGHL is of prime importance in the stability of the shoulder joint. The anterior inferior labrum and the anterior band of the IGHL are better visualized on oblique axial scan with the shoulder in abduction and external rotation (ABER)[3,4]. Inferior labral-ligamentous abnormalities have been reported to be most closely correlated with anterior glenohumeral instability[5].

Figure 2
Figure 2 Axial T1-weighted fat-saturated magnetic resonance arthrogram image shows normal superior glenohumeral ligament (straight arrow) running parallel to the coracoid concavity and the long head of biceps tendon (dashed arrow).
Figure 3
Figure 3 Axial T1-weighted fat-saturated magnetic resonance arthrogram image shows normal anterior and posterior bands of inferior glenohumeral ligament (straight arrows). Posterior labrum is seen as normal hypointense structure (dashed arrow), anterior labrum is congenitally absent in this patient.
Figure 4
Figure 4 Oblique sagittal T1-weighted fat-saturated magnetic resonance arthrogram image shows normal superior glenohumeral ligament (white dashed arrow), inferior to the intra-articular long head of biceps tendon (arrowhead). The middle glenohumeral ligament is seen as a long hypointense band (short straight arrow) medial to the subscapularis tendon (long straight arrow). Anterior and posterior bands of inferior glenohumeral ligament are shown with black dashed arrows.

The attachment of the anterior joint capsule and middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) shows significant variability. Three types of attachment have been described: type I refers to an attachment of the anterior joint capsule at the anterior labral tip or at the base of the labrum; in type II attachment, the capsule attaches to the glenoid close to the labral base; whereas type III refers to an attachment more medially along the scapular neck (Figure 5)[6].

Figure 5
Figure 5 Magnetic resonance arthrographic axial T1-weighted fat-saturated images showing different types of attachment of anterior joint capsule. A: Type I; B: Type II; C: Type III (arrows).

Rotator cuff interval (RCI) is defined as the discontinuity of the rotator cuff that occurs between the superior border of the subscapularis and the anterior border of the supraspinatus tendon (Figure 6). Structural insufficiency of its components and the overlying capsule caused by trauma can result in instability[7].

Figure 6
Figure 6 Oblique sagittal T1-weighted fat-saturated magnetic resonance arthrogram image shows normal rotator cuff interval (arrows).

The long head of biceps tendon, after its origin from the supraglenoid tubercle, traverses a long intra-articular course through the superior part of the joint and the RCI before coursing through the bicipital groove. In cranial axial sections, it is seen as a linear hypointense structure coursing parallel to the superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) (Figure 2).

MRI TECHNIQUE IN SHOULDER INSTABILITY

Routine imaging of the shoulder is done in three planes. The acquisition of images in the oblique coronal plane, which is the single most important imaging plane in the shoulder joint, is done parallel to the supraspinatus tendon. Oblique sagittal images are acquired at a plane perpendicular to the plane of the glenoid face, and best planned on an axial image[1].

Articular cartilage and labrum are best evaluated on a proton density (PD) or gradient echo image on axial and oblique coronal planes. The rotator cuff tendons should be evaluated on oblique coronal and oblique sagittal planes. For evaluation of the signal intensity of the rotator cuff tendons, T2W fat-saturated images are ideal[1,2]. On oblique sagittal images, the entire rotator cuff tendons, muscles and RCI can be assessed. In the setting of trauma, T1W images are less helpful, and can be acquired in oblique coronal plane only[1].

MR ARTHROGRAPHY

MR arthrography has proven its utility in the evaluation of glenohumeral instability and cartilage abnormalities. MR arthrography can either be direct or indirect (Table 2). Direct MR arthrography procedure can be divided into two parts: injection of the dilute gadolinium contrast agent into the joint and imaging in a MR scanner. Usually fat-saturated T1W images are obtained in all three planes. The labrum and glenohumeral ligaments are well visualized after distension of the joint cavity by the intra-articular injection[8]. The only drawback of this imaging protocol is that it can miss the presence of any intra-substance rotator cuff tear. To avoid this difficulty, additional T2W MRI with fat suppression can be done in the oblique coronal plane. Imaging with the shoulder in ABER position increases the sensitivity and specificity of detection of anteroinferior labral and glenohumeral ligament attachment abnormalities[3].

Table 2 Arthrographic techniques and their drawbacks.
Arthrographic techniqueProcedureAdvantagesDrawbacks
IndirectIntravenous injection of gadolinium and imaging 10 min after active exercise of the jointSimpleJoint cavity distension not achieved; ligamentous pathologies not well detected
Does not involve intra-articular injection
Direct arthrography: anterior approachDilute gadolinium injected in the joint cavity through an anterior approach (US- or fluoroscopy-guided). Injection made through a point at the junction of the upper two-thirds and lower–third of anterior joint spaceAdequate joint distension helps detection of labral and ligamentous pathologies betterNeeds expertise
May cause injury to the anterior stabilizing structures
Carries the risk of intra-articular infection (though rare)
Direct arthrography: posterior approachDilute gadolinium injected in the joint cavity through a posterior approach (US- or fluoroscopy-guided)Adequate joint distension helps detection of labral and ligamentous pathologies betterNeeds expertise
May be helpful in anterior instability, to avoid injury to anterior structuresMay cause injury to posterior structures
Carries the risk of intra-articular infection (though rare)
Direct arthrography: anterosuperior approachDilute gadolinium injected in the joint cavity through an anterosuperior approach in the RCI (US- or fluoroscopy-guided)Adequate joint distension helps detection of labral and ligamentous pathologies betterNeeds expertise
May cause injury to the rotator interval capsule

The injecting approach in MR arthrography has undergone several alterations since its introduction. Injection can be performed either through anterior, anterosuperior or posterior approach. Anterior approach is the most commonly adopted one. In 1975, Schneider et al[9] described a simplified injection technique, which uses a straight anteroposterior approach with a 3.5 inch (8.8 cm), 22 gauge needle directed vertically at the junction of the middle and lower thirds of the glenohumeral joint under fluoroscopic guidance. After confirmation of needle placement using 1-2 mL iodinated contrast agent, 10-12 mL of a dilute gadolinium solution (1:200 dilution) is injected into the joint cavity. MR imaging is usually performed within 90 min to avoid absorption of the intra-articular contrast.

A posterior approach can also be adopted, especially when there is anterior instability as needle placement through an anterior route may distort the images of healthy anatomic structures[10]. The patient lies prone with ipsilateral shoulder raised off the table with a pad. A 21 gauge spinal needle is advanced vertically through the inferomedial aspect of the humeral head under fluoroscopic guidance.

For a long time, a modified Schneider technique (anterosuperior approach through rotator interval) has been in use, where the patient is kept supine with arm externally rotated and a 1.5 inch (3.8 cm), 20-22 gauge needle is inserted through an area medial to the superior third of the humeral head. The needle tip is advanced in an anteroposterior direction to the humeral head to avoid contact with the glenoid labrum. The utility of this procedure was established by Dépelteau et al[11].

In indirect MR arthrography, gadolinium is injected intravenously and imaging is done after it diffuses into the joint cavity through a highly vascular synovial lining (which takes a few minutes). However, it lacks the effect of joint distension (compared to direct MR arthrogram).

While performing MR arthrography, adequate precautions should be taken to avoid introduction of air in the joint cavity, which can mimic detached and torn labrum on imaging (Figure 7). The gadolinium concentration should also be properly checked, as injection of undiluted gadolinium may lead to diffuse low signal intensity in the joint cavity.

Figure 7
Figure 7 Axial T1-weighted fat-saturated magnetic resonance arthrogram image shows artifact due to inadvertent injection of air into the joint cavity. The air appears as hypointense structure lying in nondependent areas (arrow), which helps differentiate it from loose bodies.
MRI FINDINGS IN SHOULDER INSTABILITY

MR imaging in anterior instability can reveal a large number of abnormalities affecting the bone and labroligamentous tissue.

Hill-Sachs lesion

Hill-Sachs lesion (Figure 8) is the most common injury associated with anterior glenohumeral instability. It consists of bony injury of the posterosuperior humeral head manifesting as cortical bony loss, impaction fracture or associated bone marrow edema in acute cases.

Figure 8
Figure 8 Axial T1-weighted TSE fat-suppressed magnetic resonance arthrogram image shows bony defect involving posterosuperior humeral head (Hill-Sachs lesion) (arrow).
Classic bankart lesion

Bankart lesion (Figure 9) is the commonest labral injury, manifesting as tear of the anterior inferior labrum with associated periosteal tear[12-14]. It can be purely cartilaginous or may involve the bony glenoid rim (bony Bankart lesion, Figure 10). Bankart lesion is usually accompanied by Hill-Sachs lesion. Several other variants of Bankart lesion have been described, including the Perthes lesion, anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) lesion, glenolabral articular disruption (GLAD) lesion.

Figure 9
Figure 9 Axial T1-weighted TSE fat-suppressed magnetic resonance arthrogram image shows detached anteroinferior labrum from the glenoid margin; classic soft tissue Bankart lesion. Contrast within the joint is seen to traverse the gap between the detached labrum and the glenoid margin (arrow).
Figure 10
Figure 10 Axial T1-weighted TSE fat-suppressed magnetic resonance arthrogram image shows anteroinferior labral tear with bony glenoid injury shown with an arrow (Bony Bankart lesion).

On conventional MR imaging in Bankart lesion, the anteroinferior labrum is seen to be attenuated or absent. The signal intensity on T2* gradient-echo or PD FS FSE MR images may be increased secondary to degeneration of the labrum. On T1 turbo spin echo fat saturation (TSE FS) post-arthrographic MR images, contrast is seen between the labrum and the glenoid margin.

Perthes lesion

Perthes lesion (Figure 11), described by Perthes in 1905, is defined as a tear of the glenoid labrum with intact scapular periosteum[15]. The torn anterior labrum is often undisplaced and visualized in its normal location on conventional MR imaging. MR arthrography, especially when imaging is performed with the arm in ABER position, improves the detection rate of Perthes lesion, as it puts the anterior band of the IGHL and anteroinferior capsule under stress. This is a difficult lesion to detect, both on conventional MRI and even on arthroscopy[12].

Figure 11
Figure 11 Perthes lesion. Oblique axial T2-weighted TSE image of the shoulder joint with the arm in abduction and external rotation location shows tear of the anteroinferior labrum (arrow) with intact periosteum, suggesting Perthes lesion.
ALPSA lesion

ALPSA lesion (described by Neviaser[16]) is defined as an avulsion and medial rolling of the inferior labroligamentous complex along the scapular neck secondary to a chronic injury (Figure 12). The main differentiating point of ALPSA from a Perthes lesion is the displacement of the torn labroligamentous tissue, which is undisplaced or shows minimal displacement in Perthes lesion. An ALPSA lesion differs from a Bankart lesion in that an ALPSA lesion has an intact anterior scapular periosteum (it is ruptured in Bankart lesion) that allows the labroligamentous structures to displace medially and rotate inferiorly on the scapular neck.

Figure 12
Figure 12 Anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion lesion in a patient with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. A: Axial T2-weighted gradient-echo image of the right shoulder reveals irregular contour of the anteroinferior labrum and hypointense soft tissue lying along the scapular neck (arrow); B: On magnetic resonance arthrographic axial T1-weighted fat-saturated image the avulsed labroligamentous tissue is seen displaced medially along the scapular neck (arrow).
GLAD lesion

This lesion (also described by Neviaser[17]) consists of a superficial anterior inferior labral tear associated with an anterior inferior articular cartilage injury (Figure 13). The use of intra-articular contrast in MR arthrogram helps to visualize the small tears at the level of the anterior inferior glenoid rim. When a GLAD lesion is seen on MRI, one should look for loose bodies, which can occur from a detached articular cartilage fragment[18].

Figure 13
Figure 13 Glenolabral articular disruption lesion and posterior labral tear in a patient with multidirectional instability. Axial proton density fat-suppressed image reveals absence of the anteroinferior labrum with tear of the adjacent articular cartilage (straight arrow). Also associated is a tear involving the posterior labrum, seen as interposition of fluid between the posterior labrum and the posterior glenoid margin (dashed arrow).
Superior labrum anterior and posterior type 5 lesion

Superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesion, described by Snyder et al[19], is an injury involving the superior aspect of the glenoid labrum that includes the biceps tendon anchor. SLAP tears were initially classified by Snyder et al[19] into 4 distinct but related lesions; Maffet et al[20] added three more types, and currently 10 types or patterns have been recognized. Though SLAP lesions often present with nonspecific symptoms such as pain, locking and snapping, type 5 SLAP lesion (type 2 or 3 SLAP lesion with superior extension of a Bankart lesion) is often associated with anterior shoulder dislocation. Sagittal MRI or MR arthrogram can demonstrate the complete extent of labral tear.

Humeral avulsion of anterior glenohumeral ligament lesion

Humeral avulsion of anterior glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesion (Figure 14) is a less commonly encountered abnormality (9.3%) in anteroinferior instability[21]. It may coexist with an anterior labral tear in patients with anterior instability. In patients with documented anterior instability without a demonstrable “primary” Bankart lesion, a HAGL lesion should be ruled out[14]. For detection of HAGL, the glenohumeral joint cavity should be well distended, either by contrast agent (direct MR arthrogram) or joint effusion. On coronal MR image, normal distended axillary pouch is seen as a U-shaped structure, which changes into a J-shape in a HAGL lesion as the IGHL drops inferiorly (J sign)[22].

Figure 14
Figure 14 Humeral avulsion of anterior glenohumeral ligament in chronic anterior instability. Coronal T1-weighted TSE fat-suppressed magnetic resonance arthrogram image reveals the ‘J’ shape (arrow) of the axillary pouch (A), compared to the ‘U’ shape (arrow) in a normal individual (B).
Bony humeral avulsion of glenohumeral ligaments lesion

Bony humeral avulsion of glenohumeral ligaments (BHAGL) lesion is less common than HAGL. In BHAGL, there is a small avulsed osseous fragment attached to the torn end of the humeral attachment of the IGHL[23].

GAGL lesion

This uncommon lesion implies an avulsion of the IGHL from the inferior pole of glenoid without associated disruption of the inferior labrum (Figure 15)[2].

Figure 15
Figure 15 Glenolabral articular disruption lesion. Coronal T1-weighted TSE fat-suppressed magnetic resonance arthrogram image reveals avulsion of the glenoid attachment of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (arrow).
Rotator cuff tears

These tears (Figure 16), associated with anterior and inferior glenohumeral dislocation, are commoner in the elderly rather than the younger age group (30% incidence in patients less than 40 years of age and 80% incidence above 60 years of age).

Figure 16
Figure 16 Coronal TSE T2-weighted image of the right shoulder in a patient with acute dislocation reveals full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon with proximal retraction of the muscle (arrow).
RCI tear

A tear of the RCI typically does not appear as complete disruption of the fibres of its components. Instead it is seen on imaging as thinning, irregularity or focal discontinuity of the rotator interval capsule. Arthroscopy is considered the gold standard in diagnosing RCI lesions. MR arthrography, particularly the T2W sagittal or axial images, may be useful in diagnosing RCI pathologies.

ANATOMIC VARIATIONS MIMICKING LABRAL TEARS

Sublabral foramen is a normal detachment of the anterosuperior labrum (usually at 2 o’clock location) from the glenoid rim that needs to be differentiated from a Bankart lesion[24]. Bankart lesion usually involves the anteroinferior labrum (isolated anterosuperior labral involvement is rare and seen in throwing athletes presenting with pain on overhead abduction). The margins of a labral tear are usually irregular as compared to the sublabral foramen.

Buford complex (Figure 17) is defined as congenital absence of the anterosuperior labrum and thickened cord-like MGHL. The thickened MGHL, when visualized on axial MR images, can mimic detached labrum of a Bankart lesion. However, on oblique sagittal arthrographic images, the superior insertion of a cord-like MGHL is usually visible and misdiagnosis can be avoided[24].

Figure 17
Figure 17 Buford complex. A: Axial T2-weighted gradient-echo image reveals absent anterior labrum and a thick hypointense structure lying anteriorly (arrow) which can be mistaken for a torn labrum; B: Oblique sagittal T1-weighted TSE fat-saturated magnetic resonance arthrogram image reveals a thick cord-like middle glenohumeral ligament (arrow) having a higher glenoid attachment, close to 12 o’clock location.
IMAGING FINDINGS IN POSTERIOR DISLOCATION
Reverse hill-sachs lesion

This lesion (Figure 18) consists of an anteromedial superior humeral head impaction fracture which is often associated with a reverse Bankart lesion (posterior glenoid labrum disruption)[25].

Figure 18
Figure 18 Reverse Hill-Sachs and reverse Bankart lesion in a case of posterior instability. T1-weighted TSE axial magnetic resonance image reveals hemarthrosis, posterior glenohumeral dislocation and reverse Hill-Sachs lesion (straight arrow). There is associated posterior labral tear (reverse Bankart lesion), shown with a dashed arrow.
Reverse HAGL lesion

In posterior instability, there is sometimes a complete avulsion of the posterior attachment of the shoulder capsule from the posterior humeral neck, associated with tear of the posterior band of the IGHL[4].

Posterior glad lesion

This lesion is a newly described entity in posterior glenohumeral instability, which can be seen as focal posterior articular cartilage defect (between 7 and 9 o’clock location)[26].

Bennett lesion

This is an extra-articular crescentic posterior ossification associated with posterior labral injury and capsular avulsion, sometimes secondary to the posterior subluxation. The ossification is best visualized on CT, and often missed by arthroscopy as it is extra-articular.

Posterior superior labral tear

This occurs (Figure 19) as a part of posterior SLAP 2 or posterosuperior to a posterior labral tear in association with a paralabral cyst and may be seen in patients with posterior instability. Posterior superior labral tear may be associated with repetitive microtrauma, as in throwers, and can even be seen in anterior instability[27]. The cysts are almost always associated with labral tears, but the communication with the joint space is often not visualized on MRI.

Figure 19
Figure 19 Posterior labral tear. Axial T1-weighted TSE fat-suppressed magnetic resonance arthrogram image reveals the undisplaced posterior labral tear (arrow). The anterior joint capsule attachment is placed medially along scapular neck (normal variation).
POST-OPERATIVE IMAGING

Anatomic repair of the labrum and capsule using metallic suture anchors is being increasingly employed in glenohumeral instability using an arthroscopic approach[28]. On post-operative MR imaging, susceptibility artifacts

(Figure 20) from the metallic implants may degrade the image quality. A few important points should be kept in mind to overcome this problem: gradient echo sequences should be avoided and replaced by spin echo sequences when possible; fast spin echoes are preferable over standard spin echo sequences; and inversion recovery sequences should be preferred over chemical fat suppression. After an anatomic apposition of the labrum to the articular margin in suture-anchor repair, no hyperintensity should be visible between the two. MR arthrography is more useful in post-operative shoulders as a problem solving tool in suspected recurrent labral tear. Contrast-enhanced T1W sequences should always be acquired in addition if there is a suspicion of septic arthritis[29].

Figure 20
Figure 20 Normal post-operative appearance after arthroscopic suture-anchor repair of Bankart lesion. Oblique sagittal (A) and axial (B) T2-weighted TSE fat-suppressed image reveals the three suture-anchors in place (arrows). No fluid is seen between the labral margin and the opposed labrum and joint capsule.

Non-anatomic repairs (Putti-Platt repair, Bristow-Helfet procedure) are usually not preferred for primary instability surgery. Following capsular shift or shrinkage procedures, thickening of the joint capsule can be visualized on imaging.

Complications during arthroscopic repair include inadvertent injury to the axillary nerve (lying in close relation to the inferior joint capsule) and subscapularis muscle injury, hematoma, infection, septic arthritis, heterotopic ossification.

RECENT ADVANCES IN SHOULDER MRI

Virtual MR arthroscopy of the shoulder joint has been described in a few reports using 3D gradient echo sequences after intra-articular injection of dilute gadolinium[30]. The technique can act as a useful adjunct tool to MR arthrography in the assessment of labral tears, by providing helpful visual information similar to arthroscopy.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, MRI and MR arthrography are routinely used investigations in glenohumeral instability and have very high sensitivity in detecting labroligamentous injuries. An MR arthrogram plays a crucial role in the imaging of post-operative shoulder. While diagnosing various labral lesions, anatomic variations should be kept in mind.

Footnotes

Peer reviewers: Sudsriluk Sampatchalit, MD, Lieutenant Colonel, Radiology, Phramongutglao Royal Thai Army Hospital, 315 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Wenbao Wang, MD, Orthopaedic Department, Columbia University Medical Center, 106 Fort Washington Avenue, Apt 3H, New York, NY 10032, United States

S- Editor Cheng JX L- Editor Logan S E- Editor Zheng XM

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