CT arthrography and arthroscopy in chronic glenohumeral joint instability

The authors evaluate the value of CT arthrography in glenohumeral joint instability. A study was conducted on a group of 16 patients with recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. All patients underwent CT arthrography and arthroscopy. The diagnostic accuracy of CT arthrography was rated for different types of lesions on the basis of arthroscopic confirmation of its findings. Our results, which include a statistical analysis, showed a diagnostic accuracy of 97.3% in Bankart lesions and 100% in Hill-Sachs lesions and loose bodies. Dilation of the subscapular bursa and injury of the glenoid labrum-IGHL complex were often identified, while chondritis and synovitis were less frequently diagnosed. The authors therefore conclude that CT arthrography may be considered an extremely reliable diagnostic test for obtaining an overall picture of injuries due to instability. Arthroscopy, on the other hand, should be reserved for cases in which surgery may be performed in the same stage as diagnosis.