[The labrum glenoidale]

The value of assessment of the labrum glenoidale has increased with the development of CT arthrography and arthroscopy. Assessment of the labrum glenoidale must be preceded by standard radiological assessment looking for of a lesion of the glenoidal margin. CT arthrography is currently the most reliable technique due to the definition and fine sections which can be obtained. Morphological variations of the labrum glenoidale and glenohumeral ligaments are the main causes of diagnostic errors. MRI also provides AP sections, but is less effective. MR arthrography is more effective and may constitute the technique of the future, but it requires intra-articular puncture and is expensive. Schematically, there are four sites of lesion of the labrum glenoidale: anteroinferior secondary to anterior instability, posterior secondary to posterior instability, Snyder's SLAP lesions and the anterosuperior lesions described by Andrews and Carson. The demonstration and interpretation of SLAP lesions is difficult, particularly types I and II. Analysis of the labrum glenoidale is limited. It is essentially indicated in unstable and painful shoulders, possibly secondary to a missed instability accident when the antero-inferior glenoidal margin is normal or doubtful. However, when looking for a lesion of the labrum glenoidale, it is logical to perform CT arthrography rather than arthroscopy, which is far more invasive and expensive.