肱二头肌长头腱撕裂的肩关节MRI评价

目的 评价肩关节MRI对肱二头肌长头腱撕裂的诊断价值,并对比分析肩关节MR造影和常规肩关节MRI的诊断性能.方法 由2名影像诊断医师独立回顾分析215例肩关节MR图像,包括107例肩关节MR造影和108例常规肩关节MRI,分析结果与肩关节镜手术相比较.计算MRI评价肱二头肌长头腱撕裂的诊断敏感性、特异性和准确性.采用Kappa分析2名影像诊断医师评价的一致性.结果 215例中,肱二头肌长头腱完伞撕裂7例,部分撕裂29例,无撕裂179例.医师甲用肩关节MRI评估肱二头肌长头腱撕裂(包括完全和部分)的敏感性、特异性和准确性分别为72.2%(26/36)、91.6%(164/179)和88.4%(190/215),医师乙分别为80.6%(29/36)、93.8%(168/179)和91.6%(197/215),2名医师的评估结果间一致性好(Kappa=0.681).肱二头肌长头腱完全撕裂,2名医师的诊断敏感性、特异性和准确性均为100%(7/7)、100%(208/208)和100%(215/215).利用肩关节MR造影评价肱二头肌长头腱撕裂时,医师甲的准确性为93.4%(100/107),医师乙为96.3%(103/107),均明显高于常规肩关节MRI的结果[医师甲为83.3%(90/108),医师乙为87.0%(94/108),P值均<0.05].结论 肩关节MRI是评价肱二头肌长头腱撕裂比较可靠的方法,而且肩关节MR造影的准确性优于常规肩关节MRI.     

肩袖撕裂的肩关节MR造影评价

目的 评价肩关节MR造影对肩袖撕裂的诊断价值。方法 分析32例病人的肩关节MR造影图像,评价内容包括肩袖肌腱、盂唇、肱二头肌长头腱,结果与肩关节镜及肩部开放手术比较。结果 以肩关节镜和手术结果为标准,32例病人包括14例全层撕裂,6例下表面部分撕裂,12例无撕裂。肩关节MR造影判定有无肩袖撕裂的敏感性、特异性和准确性都为100％;诊断全层撕裂的敏感性、特异性和准确性分别为100％、94％和97％。同时,肩关节MR造影还正确诊断了所有的多肌腱撕裂、合并的盂唇异常及肱二头肌长头腱异常。结论 肩关节MR造影可以准确、全面地评价肩袖撕裂。     

磁共振与超声在肱二头肌长头腱损伤的诊断价值比较

目的 探讨磁共振(MR)和超声(US)检查在肱二头肌长头腱损伤中的诊断价值.方法 收集肩关节镜检证实的肱二头肌长头腱损伤患者80例,均行MR及US检查,以肩关节镜检结果为评价标准,分别计算MR和US诊断肱二头肌长头腱损伤的准确性、敏感性、特异性,比较2种检查方法的有效性.结果 80例患者中,肩关节镜证实肱二头肌长头腱完全撕裂19例,部分撕裂45例,肌腱炎10例,脱位6例.MR与US诊断肱二头肌长头腱完全撕裂、部分撕裂、肌腱炎及脱位的准确性分别为98.7%、92.5%、97.5%、100%和96.2%、85.0%、96.3%、98.7%.MR与US诊断肱二头肌长头腱完全撕裂、肌腱炎及脱位准确性差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但MR诊断部分撕裂的准确性高于US(P<0.05).结论 MR在判断肱二头肌长头腱部分撕裂优于US.US检查可作为常规检查方法用于排查怀疑有肱二头肌长头腱损伤的患者.     

肩关节损伤的MR影像诊断

目的 探讨常规MRI和MR间接关节造影对肩关节损伤的诊断价值.方法 回顾分析经关节镜证实的90例肩关节损伤患者肩关节常规MRI和MR问接关节造影表现,其中肩袖病变组57例、盂肱关节不稳组33例.对常规MRI和MR间接关节造影诊断结果进行Fisher确切概率法比较.结果 (1)肩袖病变组中MR间接关节造影37例,显示部分撕裂10例,1例漏诊;显示完全撕裂17例,2例误诊,7例肩袖无撕裂.MR间接关节造影显示部分撕裂的敏感度、特异度、准确度分别为90.9%(10/11)、92.3%(24/26)、91.9%(34/37);显示完全撕裂的敏感度、特异度、准确度分别为89.5%(17/19)、94.4%(17/18)、91.9%(34/37).MR间接关节造影诊断肩袖部分及完全撕裂的敏感度及准确度均高于常规MRI(P<0.05).(2)盂肱关节不稳组中,盂唇损伤26例,Hill-sachs病变27例、反Hill-sachs病变2例、骨陛Bankart损伤7例、关节囊损伤18例.间接关节造影20例,显示盂唇损伤14例,1例漏诊,5例正常.MR间接关节造影显示盂唇损伤的敏感度、特异度、准确度分别为93.3%(14/15)、100.0%(5/5)、95.0%(19/20).前者诊断盂唇损伤的敏感度及准确度明显高于常规MRI(P<0.05).结论 MR检查特别是MR间接关节造影能够准确显示肩关节常见病变及相关组织的病理发展过程,为临床诊断及治疗提供影像学依据.     

3D-SPACE序列在肩关节MR造影中评估上盂唇前后撕裂

目的：评价肩关节 MR造影三维各向同性脂肪抑制快速自旋回波（SPACE）序列对上盂唇前后撕裂（SLAP损伤）的诊断价值。方法：影像诊断医师回顾性分析经关节镜证实的肩关节 MR 造影图像,判定有无SLAP 损伤及分型,对比常规二维序列和SPACE序列对SLAP损伤的敏感度、特异度及准确率,比较常规二维序列与SPACE 序列的诊断价值。结果：肩关节镜证实SLAP损伤12例,肩关节 MR造影SPACE序列与常规二维序列对SLAP 损伤的敏感度分别为83．33％（10/12）及91．67％（11/12）,特异度分别为81．25％（13/16）及87．50％（14/16）,准确度分别为82．14％（23/28）及89．29％（25/28）。SPACE序列与常规二维序列对 SLAP 损伤的诊断效能无明显统计学差异（P＞0．05）。结论：肩关节MR造影中SPACE序列是评价SLAP损伤准确、可靠的影像学方法。     

肩关节损伤的MR关节造影与MRI对比研究

目的探讨肩关节MR关节造影与常规MRI检查阳性率的敏感性及特异性,并探讨哪类患者更适用于MR关节造影。方法选取100例肩痛患者先后行肩关节常规MRI和MR关节造影检查,图像分别由两位有经验的放射医师盲法评价,评估盂唇撕裂和冈上肌肌腱撕裂;所有患者均行关节镜检查并与MRI及MR关节造影结果分别做对照分析。结果 100例患者中,在常规MRI检查评价者1中共有43例上盂唇前后(SLAP)撕裂,28例后盂唇撕裂,23例前盂唇撕裂和47例冈上肌肌腱撕裂;评价者2中有42例SLAP撕裂,26例后盂唇撕裂,24例前盂唇撕裂和47例冈上肌肌腱撕裂。在MR关节造影检查评价者1中有51例SLAP撕裂,33例后盂唇撕裂,29例前盂唇撕裂和49例冈上肌肌腱撕裂;评价者2中有50例SLAP撕裂,31例后盂唇撕裂,30例前盂唇撕裂和49例冈上肌肌腱撕裂。MR关节造影评价者1和2中均额外发现8例SLAP撕裂,5例后盂唇撕裂,6例前盂唇撕裂和2例冈上肌肌腱撕裂,而这些在常规MRI检查中均未发现。48例常规MRI检查正常中有21例在MR关节造影检查中发现额外异常;52例患者常规MR检查异常中仅有3例在MR关节造影检查中发现额外异常结果。结论常规MRI检查异常时再行MR关节造影检查能显示的额外阳性信息很少,这类患者可不需要MR关节造影检查;常规MRI检查为阴性患者再行MR关节造影检查可发现额外异常结果。     

髋关节MR造影检查对发育性髋关节发育不良病人髋臼盂唇损伤程度的评价

目的评价髋关节MR造影检查对发育性髋关节发育不良(DDH)病人髋臼盂唇损伤的诊断价值。方法选取2015年12月—2016年10月进行髋关节MR造影检查的DDH病人16例,其中男3例,女13例,年龄10~20岁,平均(14.88±2.60)岁。对每例病人的患侧髋臼行超声引导下髋关节MR造影检查,分别对前、外上及后盂唇进行观察,由2名影像诊断医师评价盂唇损伤的部位及程度,并以术中诊断结果作为金标准进行对比。采用Kappa检验计算髋关节MR造影检查与术中诊断的一致性。结果 16例病人共48处盂唇,无撕裂37处(0期32处,Ⅰ期损伤5处),髋臼实质部撕裂3处,髋臼盂唇-软骨连接区撕裂8处。术中所见无撕裂38处,髋臼实质部撕裂3处,髋臼盂唇-软骨连接区撕裂7处。髋关节MR造影诊断髋臼盂唇撕裂的敏感度为100%,特异度为97.37%,阳性预测值为90.91%,阴性预测值为100%。MR髋关节造影检查与术中诊断的一致性较好(Kappa=0.939,P0.001)。髋关节MR造影显示盂唇肥大、内翻2例,均为前盂唇,与术中所见相吻合。结论髋关节MR造影检查对DDH病人髋臼盂唇损伤诊断的敏感性和特异性均较高,可作为术前常规检查手段。     

肩关节损伤MRI与关节镜的对比分析

目的探讨常规MRI对肩关节损伤的诊断价值。方法回顾性分析因肩关节损伤行常规MRI和关节镜检查的55例病人资料,MRI观察指标包括肩袖、盂唇形态及信号,有否肩峰下撞击及骨性损伤。以肩关节镜为诊断金标准,统计MRI对不同类型肩关节损伤的诊断结果,并分别计算MRI的诊断敏感度、特异度和准确度。采用Kappa检验分析MRI与肩关节镜诊断结果的一致性。结果肩关节损伤的MRI征象中分别有25%部分肩袖撕裂、13.3%Bankart’s损伤、20%盂唇上部前后方向(SLAP)损伤和11.6%肩峰下撞击漏诊。MRI诊断损伤性病变的特异度及肩袖全层撕裂(100%)、骨性损伤(100%)、肩峰下撞击(88%)和Bankart’s损伤(87%)的敏感度较高,诊断SLAP损伤(75%)和肩袖部分撕裂(75%)的敏感度较低;诊断肩袖全层撕裂(100%)和骨性损伤(100%)的准确度最高,其次是Bankart’s损伤(96%),诊断SLAP损伤(89%)的准确度较低。MRI和关节镜诊断肩袖全层撕裂、骨性损伤的κ值为1,结果完全一致,诊断Bankart’s损伤的κ值为0.904,一致性较好,诊断肩袖部分撕裂、SLAP损伤和肩峰下撞击的κ值虽稍低,但均0.75,一致性也较好,P均0.05。结论 MRI是有效诊断肩关节损伤的影像方法,但对SLAP损伤和肩袖部分撕裂的诊断准确度有待提高。     

肩关节盂上部前后方向损伤CT关节造影与关节镜的对照性研究

由于肱二头肌长头肌腱紧密附着于关节盂缘上部,引起该肌腱负荷突然加重的外力可造成关节盂缘上部前后方向撕裂伤(SLAP),损伤位于肌腱附着点下的关节盂缘。关节镜将损伤分为4型:1型撕裂限于关节盂缘上部;2型撕裂向下达关节盂缘与关节囊附着部;3型桶柄样撕裂;4型桶柄样撕裂合并肱二头肌长头肌腱撕裂。作者复习了17例SLAP的术前肩关节碘水空气双重造影CT并与关节镜手术录象对照研究。其中1型6例,CT表现为关节盂上缘磨损样不规则;2型4例,CT除关节盂上缘磨损样不规则外,可见关节盂与关节囊分离达肱骨头上缘水平;3型4例,其中3例CT可     

MRI、MRAr及CT对外伤性肩关节盂唇损伤伴骨折的诊断效能比较

目的 比较磁共振成像(MRI)、磁共振关节造影(MRAr)及CT对肩关节盂唇损伤伴/不伴骨折的诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析2017-04至2018-04就诊于解放军总医院第三医学中心的肩关节盂唇损伤伴/不伴骨折患者34例，行常规MRI、MRAr和CT检查，经关节镜手术证实是否有Bankart损伤、肩关节上盂唇(SLAP)损伤及骨折。分析MRI、MRAr、CT征象应用对病变的诊断价值，评价三种影像手段对诊断不同类型盂唇损伤的灵敏度、特异度及准确度。结果 34例(100%)有Bankart损伤，MRI诊断灵敏度94.12%,准确度94.12%;MRAr诊断灵敏度97.06%,准确度97.06%。30例(88.24%)合并SLAP损伤，MRI灵敏度53.33%,特异度22.22%,准确度58.82%;MRAr灵敏度93.33%,特异度66.67%,准确度94.12%。17例(50.00%)合并骨折，MRAr及MRI灵敏度均为52.94%;CT对诊断骨折灵敏度达94.12%,特异度94.44%。结论 MRAr对SLAP损伤的诊断效能显著优于常规MRI;MRAr结合CT,可以提高肩关节盂唇损伤伴骨...     

Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesions: diagnosis with MR arthrography of the shoulder

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in the diagnosis of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1995 to June 1998, MR arthrography of the shoulder was performed in 159 patients with a history of chronic shoulder pain or instability. Fifty-two patients underwent arthroscopy or open surgery 12 days to 5 months after MR arthrography. Diagnostic criteria for SLAP lesion included marked fraying of the articular aspect of the labrum, biceps anchor avulsion, inferiorly displaced bucket handle fragment, and extension of the tear into the biceps tendon fibers. Surgical findings were correlated with those from MR arthrography. RESULTS: SLAP injuries were diagnosed at surgery in 19 of the 52 patients (37%). Six of the 19 lesions (32%) were classified as type I, nine (47%) as type II, one (5%) as type III, and three (16%) as type IV. MR arthrography had a sensitivity of 89% (17 of 19 patients), a specificity of 91% (30 of 33 patients), and an accuracy of 90% (47 of 52 patients). The MR arthrographic classification showed correlation with the arthroscopic or surgical classification in 13 of 17 patients (76%) in whom SLAP lesions were diagnosed at MR arthrography. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography is a useful and accurate technique in the diagnosis of SLAP lesions of the shoulder. MR arthrography provides pertinent preoperative information with regard to the exact location of tears and grade of involvement of the biceps tendon.     

Variants of the superior labrum and labro-bicipital complex: a comparative study of shoulder specimens using MR arthrography, multi-slice CT arthrography and anatomical dissection

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anatomical variability of the superior labrum and to compare the value of MR arthrography and multi-slice CT arthrography in the diagnosis of variants of the labro-bicipital complex. Forty-three human shoulder specimens (age range and mean age at death, 61–89 years and 78.3 years) were examined with the use of MR arthrography and multi-slice CT arthrography prior to joint exploration and macroscopic inspection of the superior labrum and labro-bicipital complex. Two radiologists evaluated MR and CT arthrograms, and the results were compared with macroscopic assessments. Anatomical dissection of all shoulder specimens revealed a sublabral recess in 32/43 (74%) cases. The attachment of the superior labrum was categorised as type 1 in ten (23%) cases, as type 2 in eight (19%), as type 3 in ten (23%), and as type 4 in 14 (33%) cases. One superior labrum showed detachment consistent with a superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) type 3 lesion. On MR arthrography and CT arthrography the attachment of the superior labrum was categorised in concordance with macroscopic assessments in 79% and 84% of cases, respectively. The anteroposterior extension of sublabral recesses was accurately determined with MR and CT arthrography in 59% and 81% of cases, respectively. The attachment of the superior labrum shows considerable variability. Thus, exact depiction of variants is essential in order to avoid the false positive diagnosis of a superior labral tear (SLAP or Andrews lesion). Both, MR arthrography and multi-slice CT arthrography were effective in the detection and classification of sublabral recesses.     

Diagnostic performance of MR arthrography in the assessment of superior labral anteroposterior lesions of the shoulder

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MR arthrography in the assessment of superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder with emphasis on the classification of SLAP lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred sixty-five MR arthrograms including 68 MR arthrograms of patients with arthroscopically proven SLAP lesions of the shoulder and 197 MR arthrograms of patients with an intact superior labrum and biceps anchor were retrospectively reviewed in random order. MR arthrography was performed using triplanar T1-weighted spin-echo sequences and a coronal oblique T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence. MR arthrograms were evaluated by two radiologists with agreement by consensus, and the results were compared with arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: Of 68 SLAP lesions, seven (10%) were arthroscopically classified as type I, 41 (60%) as type II (including 20 type II lesions with coexisting Bankart lesions [29%]), 14 (21%) as type III, and six (9%) as type IV. Compared with arthroscopy as the gold standard, MR arthrography showed a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 98% for the overall detection of SLAP lesions. MR arthrographic grading and arthroscopic grading were concurrent in 45 (66%) of 68 arthroscopic diagnoses. Of the surgically confirmed SLAP lesions, involvement of the biceps insertion and SLAP type II lesions with coexisting Bankart lesions were assessed correctly in 75% and 95% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography is a highly effective method for the detection of SLAP lesions, but this technique is limited in the classification of different types of SLAP lesions. However, for preoperative planning MR arthrography provides accurate information about the stability of the biceps insertion and the presence of associated anteroinferior labral injuries.     

Diagnosis of SLAP lesions with Grashey-view arthrography

OBJECTIVE: To examine the accuracy of Grashey views obtained during shoulder arthrography in the diagnosis of clinically relevant superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Grashey views obtained during diagnostic arthrography (conventional and MR) were used to examine the superior labrum. Twenty-eight of 118 shoulder arthrograms obtained during a 27-month period fulfilled study criteria and were correlated for accuracy using arthroscopically confirmed grade 2-4 SLAP lesions as the standard of reference. Arthrograms were graded using the consensus method. Prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 21%, 50%, 86%, and 79%. The appearance of the superior labrum on the Grashey view was compared subjectively with MR arthrography. Sources of errors were analyzed. CONCLUSION: Grashey views obtained during shoulder arthrography can diagnose clinically relevant SLAP lesions with moderately high specificity, moderate accuracy, and limited sensitivity. Findings on the Grashey view closely resemble those seen on coronal oblique MR arthrography. Grashey views should be considered in patients undergoing shoulder arthrography.     

SLAP lesions of the glenoid labrum: CT arthrographic and arthroscopic correlation.

Tears in the superior part of the glenoid labrum in the anterior and posterior directions (SLAP, superior labrum anterior, posterior) result from injuries that place excessive stress on the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. The intimate relationship of the tendon and the superior glenoid labrum promotes injury to the latter structure. Four types of SLAP lesions are seen at arthroscopy. Images from 17 patients with surgically proved SLAP lesions who had undergone preoperative computed tomographic (CT) arthrography were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the value of CT arthrography in the detection and accurate depiction of these labral injuries. The authors compared the findings at videotaped arthroscopic surgery with those from CT arthrography and found that abnormalities of the labral-capsular apparatus could be detected with CT arthrography in 16 of the 17 patients. Furthermore, the CT arthrographic criteria developed during this review helped determine the type of tear in 15 of the 17 patients. CT arthrography appears to be useful in the evaluation of patients with suspected SLAP lesions.     

Capsulo-labro-ligamentous lesions of the shoulder: evaluation with MR arthrography

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyse the accuracy of MR arthrography in the evaluation of capsulo-labro-ligamentous lesions of the shoulder in patients with glenohumeral joint instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2001 fifty-eight patients with glenohumeral joint instability were studied by MR arthrography. Twenty-seven patients underwent surgical repair: 11 by arthroscopic and 16 by arthrotomic approach. All shoulder evaluations were performed with T1 and T2 weighted axial, coronal and sagittal oblique images, before and after intra-articular injection of gadolinium contrast. RESULTS: Forty capsulo-ligamentous lesions (including 14 capsular ruptures with extravasation of the contrast medium) were detected by MR arthrography. Fifty-two labral tears (36 of the anterior, 13 of the superior and 3 of the posterior glenoid labrum) were identified: 11 out of 52 were not recognized before gadolinium contrast injection. Five rotator cuff tears were identified, one of which was not shown in the pre-injection examination. Surgical results confirmed the MR arthrographic findings in 25/27 patients. In one case MR arthrography did not recognize a SLAP lesion; in another case it identified a tear of the capsule but not of the glenoid labrum. CONCLUSIONS: In many cases of subacute glenohumeral joint lesions with intracapsular fluid, MR may accurately evaluate capsulo-labral-ligamentous lesions. Indeed, the examination of lesions is limited by the absence of the natural contrast determined by fluid; in such cases, intra-articular injection of gadolinium contrast is necessary. MR arthrography evaluates the degree of capsulo-labro-ligamentous tears and may guide the surgical approach.     

Shoulder MR arthrography: which patient group benefits most?

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional MRI versus MR arthrography of the shoulder in the assessment of high-performance athletes (professional baseball players) and to compare our findings in these patients with the conventional MRI and MR arthrographic findings in an age-matched control group of nonprofessional athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional MRI and MR arthrographic examinations of the shoulder in 20 consecutive professional baseball players with shoulder pain were reviewed retrospectively by two musculoskeletal radiologists in consensus. These interpretations were compared with retrospective consensus interpretations of conventional MRI and MR arthrographic examinations of the shoulder obtained in a control group of 50 consecutive nonprofessional athletes with shoulder pain. MR images were assessed for full- or partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears, superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) tears, and anterior or posterior labral tears. RESULTS: In the 20 consecutive professional athlete patients, two full-thickness and six partial-thickness undersurface supraspinatus tendon tears were seen on MR arthrography but not seen on conventional MRI as well as six SLAP tears, two anterior labral tears, and one posterior labral tear. Three patients had both SLAP tears and full- or partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears. Of 14 patients with findings on MR arthrography that were not seen on MRI, 11 had arthroscopic correlation. In all 11, arthroscopic findings confirmed findings on MR arthrography. In the group of 50 nonprofessional athlete patients, five had additional findings on MR arthrography not seen on conventional MRI: two anterior labral tears, two partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears, and two SLAP tears. One patient had both a partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear and a SLAP tear seen on MR arthrography. The five patients with additional findings on MR arthrography had arthroscopy. In all five, arthroscopic findings confirmed the findings on MR arthrography. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography is considerably more sensitive for detection of partial-thickness supraspinatus tears and labral tears than conventional MRI. MR arthrography showed injuries in addition to those seen on conventional MRI in 14 of 20 patients in the high-performance athlete group. These results suggest high-performance athletes may be a subgroup of patients for whom MR arthrography yields considerably more diagnostic information than conventional MRI.     

MR arthrographic findings of SLAP lesion type V

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the findings of MR arthrography of the shoulder and to assess the role of MR arthrography in the diagnosis of superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion type V. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed fat-suppressed T1-weighted MR arthrography images of six patients who were diagnosed with SLAP lesion type V by arthroscopy. Each imaging plane, including the transverse, oblique coronal, oblique sagittal, and oblique transverse in abductor external rotation (ABER) position were evaluated for the following three findings: tear of the superior labrum at biceps tendon insertion, Bankart lesion, and continuity of the two former findings. RESULTS: Tear of the superior labrum was shown in all patients on oblique coronal images. Bankart lesion was noted in five patients on the transverse images and in four on the oblique sagittal images. On the oblique transverse images in ABER position, Bankart lesion was shown in all patients. The continuity of the two former findings was noted in three patients on the ABER positioned images. Therefore, three patients could be diagnosed as having SLAP lesion type V by MR arthrography in our series. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to detect all three findings of SLAP lesion type V in one imaging plane, however, a combination of multi-directional images may increase the feasibility of MR arthrography in diagnosing SLAP lesion type V.     

Superior labral anteroposterior lesions: MR arthrography with arm traction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of arm traction combined with MR arthrography in the evaluation of superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cadaveric shoulders were studied with a 1.5-T MR imaging unit with the arm externally rotated. Fifteen milliliters of a gadolinium-containing contrast agent were injected into the glenohumeral joint. Twenty-four sets of images of cadaveric joints were evaluated independently by two observers. These sets consisted of MR arthrographic images obtained with traction (applied to the wrist using 1- to 3-kg weights) and without traction in five shoulders in which SLAP lesions had been excluded arthroscopically or by cadaveric sectioning; and MR arthrographic images obtained with and without traction in seven shoulders in which various types of SLAP lesions had been created arthroscopically and later confirmed by cadaveric sectioning. RESULTS: Analysis of the data indicated that MR arthrography in combination with arm traction and external rotation improved diagnostic accuracy with regard to identification and categorization of SLAP lesions when compared with studies made without traction. CONCLUSION: The combination of MR arthrography and arm traction with the shoulder in external rotation provides a more effective approach for detection of SLAP lesions than does similar MR arthrography performed without arm traction.