MR arthrography in glenohumeral instability

The impact of accurate imaging in the work-up of patients with glenohumeral instability is high. Results of imaging may directly influence the surgeon's strategy to perform an arthroscopic or open treatment for (recurrent) instability. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and MR arthrography in particular, is the optimal technique to detect, localize and characterize injuries of the capsular-labrum complex. Besides TI-weighted sequences with fat suppression in axial, oblique sagital and coronal directions, an additional series in abduction and exoroation position is highly advocated. This ABER series optimally depicts abnormalities of the inferior capsular-labrum complex and partial undersurface tears of the spinatus tendons. Knowledge of different anatomical variants that may mimic labral tears and of variants of the classic Bankart lesion are useful in the analysis of shoulder MR arthrograms in patients with glenohumeral instability.