Magnetic resonance artfrography of the shoulder

Background. There is constant increase in number of patients seeking medical help due to shoulder diseases. Imaging techniques may facilitate making the diagnosis and decide about the treatment modality, including decision on operative treatment. Magnetic resonance is widely accepted for imaging of soft tissue lesions of the shoulder.
Material and Methods. This study was based on material of 26 patients with shoulder pain and dysfunction with diagnostic difficulties or postoperative monitoring. Standard MR was performed first, followed by direct arthrography in MR.
Results. MR arthrography of the shoulder revealed more labral and capsule (ligament) as well as SLAP lesions than standard MR. Arthrography enabled better visualization of degree of rotator cuff lesion. There was more III and IV grade lesions shown in the cuff.
Conclusions. MR arthrography enabled better assessment of rotator cuff lesions and better visualization of capsulo-labral complex lesions.