A new screening method for multidirectional shoulder instability on magnetic resonance arthrography: labro-capsular...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Shoulder multidirectional instability (MDI) is a common condition.
• Accurate diagnosis of MDI is crucial for effective treatment.
• Current diagnostic methods may have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare capsular dimensions using magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) in patients with MDI versus controls.
• To develop a novel, reliable MRA-based screening method for shoulder MDI.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of MRA images from 25 MDI patients and 26 controls.
• Measurement of labro-capsular (LC) distance (anterior, posterior, inferior) on axial and coronal MRA views.
• Randomized, blinded assessment by two orthopedic surgeons.

Main Results:

• Significantly increased inferior LC distance in the MDI group compared to controls (P < 0.001).
• No significant difference in anterior or posterior LC distances.
• An inferior LC distance > 16.88 mm demonstrated high sensitivity (76%) and specificity (96%) for MDI.

Conclusions:

• The inferior LC distance is a simple and rapid measurement.
• Inferior LC distance on MRA serves as an effective screening tool for atraumatic shoulder MDI.