[CT arthrography of the shoulder after surgical repair for ventral instability]

25 patients who had undergone a modified Lange repair were examined postoperatively after about four years, both clinically and by CT arthrography. Ventral redislocation was no longer seen postoperatively. As regards residual ventral instability, there was agreement between CT arthrography and the clinical findings in 20/25 patients (90%). Newly developed or residual dorsal instability could be accurately demonstrated by the presence of pathological changes of the dorsal labrum and by the observation of a wide dorsal joint recess. CT arthrography did not provide reliable evidence concerning loss of function and mobility of the treated shoulder. However, the presence of marked capsular folding suggests a poor clinical result.