[Possibilities of computerized arthrotomography in the diagnosis of shoulder instabilities]

Shoulder instability can usually be diagnosed by examination of the history and a careful physical examination. Additional diagnostic studies include radiographic investigations and arthroscopy as a functional and very comprehensive diagnostic procedure for shoulder lesions. Conventional radiographic investigations with special projections have proven to be reliable in revealing bony changes of the glenoid and of the humeral head, whereas CT arthrography is very helpful in evaluating capsulolabral lesions associated with shoulder instability. This kind of investigation is a highly sensitive and less invasive technique. Combined with intraarticular application of contrast medium the extent of pathologic changes associated with instability can be imaged and differentiated from other intraarticular causes of dysfunction. During a 1-year period, 42 patients were studied by double contrast arthrography followed by CT examination, and 33 were found to have a shoulder instability. The intention of this report is to describe a few CT arthrographic findings in the presence of pathologic anatomy of unstable shoulders.