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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Glenohumeral instability: evaluation with MR arthrography
J Beltran1, Z S Rosenberg, V P Chandnani
1Department of Radiology, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, NY 10003, USA.
Summary
Magnetic resonance arthrography effectively images the glenohumeral joint. Understanding normal variants and specific tear patterns is crucial for diagnosing shoulder instability, including anterior and posterior types.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) is a key imaging modality for the glenohumeral joint.
- Accurate diagnosis of shoulder instability requires recognition of normal anatomical variants and specific injury patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic utility of MRA in evaluating glenohumeral joint pathology.
- To highlight common normal variants that can mimic pathology.
- To describe characteristic imaging findings of anterior, posterior, and superior glenohumeral instability.
Main Methods:
- Review of relevant literature on MRA of the glenohumeral joint.
- Discussion of imaging findings associated with glenohumeral instability.
- Categorization of normal variants and specific labral and ligamentous injuries.
Main Results:
- MRA demonstrates superior detail of the glenohumeral joint compared to other techniques.
- Diagnostic pitfalls include anterosuperior sublabral foramen, Buford complex, and sublabral hyaline cartilage.
- Anteroinferior instability is linked to Bankart lesions and Hill-Sachs deformities.
- Posterior instability involves posterior labral tears, capsular issues, and posterior glenoid abnormalities.
- Superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions involve the superior labrum and biceps tendon.
Conclusions:
- MRA is the preferred imaging method for glenohumeral joint assessment.
- Familiarity with normal variants is essential to avoid misdiagnosis.
- Specific lesion patterns on MRA aid in diagnosing various types of glenohumeral instability.
