Arthrography of the post-traumatic knee, shoulder, and wrist. Current status and future trends

The current status of arthrography of the wrist, knee, and shoulder has been discussed with particular emphasis given to those conditions seen in patients following acute or chronic trauma. Cross-sectional techniques that impact on the current usage of arthrography of these joints also were discussed. Wrist arthrography remains the standard procedure for the evaluation of ligamentous abnormalities about the wrist. MR imaging is unlikely to make a large impact in this area until improvements in technique and surface coil technology allow routine visualization of the very small, but important, interosseous ligaments. MR imaging of the knee will likely replace arthrography except in those cases in which cost considerations or availability prevent its implementation. MR imaging undoubtedly will continue to contribute to the evaluation of shoulder abnormalities, but whether or not it will completely replace standard arthrography and CT arthrography depends upon the results of future studies.