[Magnetic resonance arthrography indications and technique (I). Upper limb]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance (MR) is a key diagnostic tool for joint pathology.
• MR arthrography (MRA) involves injecting fluid into joints to improve MR imaging.
• MRA enhances visualization of intra-articular structures and pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications of MRA in the upper limb.
• To highlight MRA's utility in shoulder joint imaging.
• To discuss MRA techniques and their role in diagnosing articular pathology.

Main Methods:

• Review of MRA techniques, including direct and indirect methods.
• Emphasis on MRA's role in evaluating the shoulder joint capsule/labrum complex.
• Discussion of MRA applications in other upper limb joints like the wrist and hand.

Main Results:

• MRA effectively delineates articular structures, improving detection of pathologies.
• The technique is particularly valuable for assessing cartilage, fibrocartilage, and ligaments.
• MRA is crucial for identifying subtle lesions, especially in the shoulder for presurgical evaluation.

Conclusions:

• MRA is a valuable imaging modality for diagnosing articular pathology in the upper limb.
• It serves as a complementary or primary imaging technique, especially for the shoulder.
• MRA provides critical information for surgical planning and patient management.