Double-contrast computed tomography of the glenoid labrum

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Glenoid labrum pathology is a common cause of shoulder instability.
• Accurate imaging is crucial for surgical planning of shoulder instability.
• Dislocating shoulders often involve labral tears and capsular damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of computed tomography (CT) following double-contrast shoulder arthrography for diagnosing glenoid labrum pathology.
• To assess the accuracy of CT in identifying labral tears and anterior shoulder capsule abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Eleven patients with suspected labrum damage underwent computed tomography (CT) immediately after double-contrast shoulder arthrography.
• Imaging focused on identifying lesions such as attenuation, tears, and displacement of the labrum.
• Assessment also included evaluation of the anterior shoulder joint capsule for stripping and stretching.

Main Results:

• Computed tomography (CT) successfully identified various labrum pathologies, including attenuation, tears, and displacement.
• Abnormalities of the anterior shoulder joint capsule, such as stripping and stretching, were also detected.
• Surgical confirmation of the diagnosed pathology was achieved in all but one patient, demonstrating high accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography (CT) following double-contrast shoulder arthrography is an effective and accurate method for imaging glenoid labrum pathology.
• This imaging technique is valuable for surgical planning in patients with dislocating shoulders.
• The procedure is technically straightforward, involves a low radiation dose, and yields accurate diagnostic information.