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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
[Direct CT-arthrography versus direct MR-arthrography in chronic shoulder instability: comparison of modalities after
M Bitzer1, M Nasko, T Krackhardt
1Abteilung Radiologische Diagnostik, Universität Tübingen. radiologie@zolleernalb-klinikum.de
Purpose:
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of direct multidetector CT arthrography (CTA) and direct MR arthrography (MRA) in patients suffering from chronic shoulder instability.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-nine patients suffering from chronic shoulder instability were included into a prospective study. In all cases, the indication for direct CTA and arthroscopy was set by the orthopedic surgeon. Prior to the imaging procedures, 10 to 20 ml of a special combination of contrast media (including saline, Isovist(R) and Magnevist(R) in a relation of 125 : 125 : 1) was injected into the joint under sterile conditions. First, CTA was performed with a multidetector CT, with images reconstructed in the axial, semi-coronal and semi-sagittal planes. Thereafter, MRA was performed. Axial images were obtained using a T1-weighted, fat-saturated spin echo sequence and semi-coronal images using a T1-weighted FLASH-3D GRE sequence. The results of CTA and MTA were compared with results obtained from arthroscopy or arthrotomy.
Results:
MRA was superior to CTA in the detection of labral lesions. The sensitivity of MRA was 96 % and the specificity 96 %, compared to a sensitivity of 76 % (p < 0.05) and specificity of 92 % for CTA. Both methods showed the same effectiveness concerning the assessment of capsule distension (sensitivity for both techniques: 91 %).
Conclusions:
MRA seems to be superior to CTA in the diagnostic workup of chronic shoulder instability even when using a multidetector CT technique.

