Comparison of the Glenoid Index by Computed Tomography With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction Anterior shoulder instability results in labral and osseous glenoid injuries. With a large osseous defect, there is a risk of recurrent dislocation of the joint, and therefore the patient has to undergo surgical correction. An MRI evaluation of the patient helps to assess the soft tissue injury. Currently, the volumetric three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed CT image is the standard for measuring glenoid bone loss and the glenoid index. However, it has the disadvantage of exposing the patient to radiation and additional expenses. This study aims to compare the values of the glenoid index using MRI and CT. Methodology The present study was a two-year cross-sectional study of patients with shoulder pain, trauma, and dislocation in a tertiary hospital in Karnataka. The sagittal proton density (PD) section of the glenoid and enface 3D reconstructed images of the scapula were used to calculate glenoid bone loss and the glenoid index. The baseline data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the Chi-square test was used to test the association of various complications with selected variables of interest. Results The glenoid index calculated in the current study using 3D volumetric CT images and MR sagittal PD images was 0.95±0.01 and 0.95±0.01, respectively. The CT and MRI glenoid bone loss was 5.41±0.65% and 5.38±0.65%, respectively. When compared, the glenoid index and bone loss calculated by MRI and CT revealed a high correlation and significance with a p-value of <0.001. Conclusions The study concluded that MRI is a reliable method for glenoid measurement. The sagittal PD sequence combined with an enface glenoid makes it possible to identify osseous defects linked to glenohumeral joint damage and dislocation. The values derived from 3D CT are identical to the glenoid index and bone loss determined using the sagittal PD sequence in MRI.