MR and MR arthrography to identify degenerative and posttraumatic diseases in the shoulder joint

MR imaging provides a comprehensive evaluation of a wide spectrum of both intraarticular and extraarticular pathology of the shoulder. MR imaging enables the detection or exclusion of degenerative and posttraumatic diseases of the shoulder with a reasonable accuracy. MR arthrography is useful in the visualization of subtle anatomic details and further improves the differentiation. In this article, findings of MR imaging and MR arthrography of degenerative and posttraumatic shoulder diseases (impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tears, and glenohumeral instability) has been reviewed.     

The middle glenohumeral ligament: normal anatomy,variants and pathology

The middle glenohumeral ligament frequently presents variations of the normal anatomy and it is often injured in patients suffering trauma to the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this pictorial assay is to illustrate the normal anatomy, biomechanics, normal variants and pathology of the middle glenohumeral ligament, as shown on MRI and MR arthrography of the shoulder.     

Multidetector spiral CT arthrography of the shoulder. Clinical applications and limits, with MR arthrography and arthroscopic correlations

Although MR imaging and MR arthrography are the first choice modalities for shoulder imaging, CT arthrography (CTA) may be used successfully to address many clinical questions. The advent of submillimeter multiple detector CT technology and subsequent excellent three-plane resolution has considerably increased the quality of CTA examinations and has propelled this technique to the forefront in a growing number of indications. The combined use of iodinated contrast material for fluoroscopic confirmation of the articular position of the needle before injection of gadolinium chelates for MR arthrography offers the unique opportunity to compare CTA and MRA findings in carefully selected cases. This paper illustrates capabilities and limits of CTA for the study of rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, cartilage lesions, anatomical variants and abnormalities of the glenoid labrum, with correlations to MR arthrography and surgical findings.     

Non-contrast MR imaging of the glenohumeral joint. Part I. Normal anatomy

MR imaging of the shoulder without contrast is frequently used for evaluation of glenohumeral instability in spite of the popularity of MR arthrography. With proper imaging technique, familiarity with normal anatomy and variants as well as knowledge of the expected pathologic findings high diagnostic accuracy may be achieved.     

Posterior shoulder labrocapsular structures in all aspects; 3D volumetric MR arthrography study

Pathologies of the posterior labrocapsular structures of the shoulder joint are far less common than anterior labrocapsuloligamentous lesions. Most of these pathologies have been associated with traumatic posterior dislocation. A smaller portion of the lesions include posterior extension of superior labral anteroposterior lesions, posterior superior internal impingement, and damage to the posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. Labrocapsular anatomic variations of the posterior shoulder joint can mimic labral pathology on conventional MR and occasionally on MR arthrographic images. Knowledge of this variant anatomy is key to interpreting MR images and studying MR arthrography of the posterior labrocapsular structure to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical procedures. In this article, we review normal and variant anatomy of the posterior labrocapsular structure of the shoulder joint based on MR arthrography and discuss how to discriminate normal anatomic variants from labrocapsular damage.     

Indirect magnetic resonance arthrography

Indirect MR arthrography is useful for evaluation of joints such as the elbow, wrist, ankle and shoulder where there is a large synovial surface area relative to joint volume. It allows simultaneous assessment of both intra-articular and extra-articular soft tissues with the added advantage of minimal invasiveness. The established and potential uses of this imaging technique are reviewed below and the pathology that is demonstrated by this technique is discussed.     

Shoulder MR arthrography: how, why, when

This article reviews current MR techniques for shoulder imaging, discusses advantages and disadvantages of each, and reviews the literature regarding sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MR arthrography versus nonenhanced MR in the evaluation of shoulder pathology, specifically, glenoid labral tears and rotator cuff tears.     

ACR Appropriateness Criteria on Acute Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is a complex array of muscles, tendons, and capsuloligamentous structures that has the greatest freedom of motion of any joint in the body. Acute (<2 weeks) shoulder pain can be attributable to structures related to the glenohumeral articulation and joint capsule, rotator cuff, acromioclavicular joint, and scapula. The foundation for investigation of acute shoulder pain is radiography. Magnetic resonance imaging is the procedure of choice for the evaluation of occult fractures and the shoulder soft tissues. Ultrasound, with appropriate local expertise, is an excellent evaluation of the rotator cuff, long head of the biceps tendon, and interventional procedures. Fluoroscopy is an excellent modality to guide interventional procedures. Computed tomography is an excellent modality for characterizing complex shoulder fractures. Computed tomographic arthrography or fluoroscopic arthrography may be alternatives in patients for whom MR arthrography is contraindicated. A multimodal approach may be required to accurately assess shoulder pathology. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria(?) are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.     

Indirect MR arthrography of anterior shoulder instability in the ABER and the apprehension test positions: a prospective comparative study of two different shoulder positions during MRI using intravenous gadodiamide contrast for enhancement of the joint fluid

Objective. The value of MRI for the evaluation of anterior shoulder instability can be enhanced by shoulder positions that stress the stabilising structures. The ABER position is one that has been described in combination with intra-articular gadopentetate dimeglumine arthrography. We believe that MRI in the Apprehension test position with 90° abduction and maximal tolerable external rotation provides maximum tension on the anterior stabilising structures and with this technique it is sufficient to use indirect gadodiamide arthrography following intravenous injection of the contrast medium. The purpose of this study was to make a prospective comparative evaluation of the ABER and Apprehension test positions when using indirect arthrography with intravenous gadodiamide administration in shoulders with anterior instability. Design and patients. Sixteen patients with persistent anterior instability after recurrent shoulder dislocations were examined in an open MRI unit (0.2 T) following 0.1 mmol/kg of intravenous gadodiamide. Oblique axial T1-weighted imaging was used for analysis. Operative findings were used for correlation. Results. Both the ABER and the Apprehension test position were useful techniques in detecting capsulolabral pathology and Hill-Sachs lesions. The Apprehension test position produced significantly better gadodiamide-enhanced joint fluid in the region of pathology in both the capsulolabral lesion and the Hill-Sachs lesion. It also visualised the size of the Hill-Sachs lesion significantly better than did the ABER position. Conclusion. MRI examination of anterior shoulder instability in the Apprehension test position was more beneficial than examination in the ABER position in visualising capsulolabral and Hill-Sachs lesions when using indirect arthrography.     

Shoulder magnetic resonance imaging

MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast and allows for multiplanar imaging in anatomic planes. Because of these advantages MRI has become the study of choice for imaging of shoulder pathology. Some structures, such as the rotator cuff, humeral head contour, and glenoid shape, are evaluated well with conventional MRI. When more sensitive evaluation of the labrum, capsule, articular cartilage, and glenohumeral ligaments is required or when a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear is suspected,magnetic resonance arthrography with intra-articular contrast can be performed. For MR arthrography contrast is injected directly into the glenohumeral joint. This article reviews the appearances of normal anatomic structures in MRI of the shoulder and disorders involving the rotator cuff and glenoid labrum.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder: a review of potential sources of diagnostic errors

Shoulder magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography are frequently utilized in the evaluation of shoulder pain and instability. The clinical scenario and imaging findings may be confusing to clinicians and radiologists and may present diagnostic challenges for those involved in evaluating and treating shoulder pathology. Often rotator cuff and labral abnormalities may be coexistent, clinical manifestations of denervation syndromes may be confusing to clinicians, and normal anatomic variations, imaging pitfalls, and various artifacts may cause dilemmas for the radiologist. This article will review the most frequently encountered mimickers and pitfalls of MR imaging of the shoulder.     

CT and MR Arthrography of the Glenoid Labroligamentous Complex

Because they distend the shoulder joint and bathe the labrum with contrast, CT arthrography (CTa) and MR arthrography (MRA) are both excellent tests for evaluating the labrum. In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each examination. We also describe techniques for performing CTa and MRA, including how to maximize image quality. The normal anatomy of the labrum and glenohumeral ligaments is described and demonstrated on both CTa and MRA images. To improve communication with orthopedic surgeons, the discussion of the pathology and normal variants of the labroligamentous complex is organized by functional anatomic regions. CTa and MRA images are then used to demonstrate a variety of pathologic and normal variant appearances of the labroligamentous complex.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in glenohumeral instability

The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint of the body and anterior instability is the most common type of shoulder instability.Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging,and more recently,MR arthrography,have become the essential investigation modalities of glenohumeral instability,especially for pre-procedure evaluation before arthroscopic surgery.Injuries associated with glenohumeral instability are variable,and can involve the bones,the labor-ligamentous components,or the rotator cuff.Anterior instability is associated with injuries of the anterior labrum and the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament,in the form of Bankart lesion and its variants;whereas posterior instability is associated with reverse Bankart and reverse Hill-Sachs lesion.Multidirectional instability often has no labral pathology on imaging but shows specific osseous changes such as increased chondrolabral retroversion.This article reviews the relevant anatomy in brief,the MR imaging technique and the arthrographic technique,and describes the MR findings in each type of instability as well as common imaging pitfalls.     

MDCT arthrography of the shoulder with datasets of isotropic resolution: indications, technique, and applications

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this review are to summarize the indications for MDCT arthrography of the shoulder, highlight the features of MDCT acquisition, and describe the normal and abnormal MDCT arthrographic appearances of the shoulder. CONCLUSION: MDCT arthrography is a valid alternative for shoulder imaging of patients with contraindications to MRI or after failed MRI. MDCT arthrography is accurate for assessment of a variety of shoulder abnormalities and, with further validation, may become the imaging test of choice for evaluation of the postoperative shoulder.     

MRI of shoulder instability

The most unstable joint in the body, the glenohumeral joint is subject to many insults including microinstability, subluxation and dislocation. During the last two decades, MRI has allowed for direct visualization of many of the lesions related to instability, aiding in diagnosis as well as therapeutic planning and follow-up. This article reviews the use of MRI for shoulder instability and describes the different types of lesions associated with this disorder. Topics include technical considerations, the use of MR arthrography, normal anatomy and variants, labral and glenohumeral ligament pathology, and osseous lesions related to instability.     

Normal anatomy and common labral lesions at MR arthrography of the shoulder

MR arthrography of the shoulder is the most accurate imaging modality in demonstrating abnormalities of the glenoid labrum and associated structures. Tears of the labrum, the capsule or the gleno-humeral ligaments can lead to pain, catching, popping or instability. The anatomy of this region is complex. We present the normal anatomy of the glenoid labrum, biceps anchor and gleno-humeral ligaments together with their normal variants and then describe common labral-ligamentous pathologies.     

Arthrography of the post-traumatic knee, shoulder, and wrist. Current status and future trends

The current status of arthrography of the wrist, knee, and shoulder has been discussed with particular emphasis given to those conditions seen in patients following acute or chronic trauma. Cross-sectional techniques that impact on the current usage of arthrography of these joints also were discussed. Wrist arthrography remains the standard procedure for the evaluation of ligamentous abnormalities about the wrist. MR imaging is unlikely to make a large impact in this area until improvements in technique and surface coil technology allow routine visualization of the very small, but important, interosseous ligaments. MR imaging of the knee will likely replace arthrography except in those cases in which cost considerations or availability prevent its implementation. MR imaging undoubtedly will continue to contribute to the evaluation of shoulder abnormalities, but whether or not it will completely replace standard arthrography and CT arthrography depends upon the results of future studies.     

Imaging findings in the dominant shoulder of throwing athletes: comparison of radiography, arthrography, CT arthrography, and MR arthrography with arthroscopic correlation

OBJECTIVE: Conventional radiography, arthrography, CT arthrography, and MR arthrography--including use of the abduction and external rotation position--were compared, with arthroscopic correlation, to determine the spectrum of abnormalities encountered and the relative benefits of each imaging method in the evaluation of shoulder lesions occurring in 17 throwing athletes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Each of 36 athletes with shoulder pain aggravated by abduction and external rotation was examined in a single visit during which conventional radiography, arthrography, CT arthrography, and MR arthrography were performed. In 17 of these athletes, imaging findings were compared with those at arthroscopy. All images were independently evaluated by two groups of musculoskeletal radiologists. RESULTS: Structures found to be affected were, in decreasing order of frequency, the following: the posterosuperior labrum, supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus tendon, humeral head, glenoid cavity and rim, acromioclavicular joint, anteroinferior capsulolabral complex, biceps tendon, and subscapularis tendon. MR arthrography without and with abduction and external rotation yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity for all lesions with the exceptions of bone sclerosis and enthesophytes (which were best seen with CT arthrography). MR arthrography with abduction and external rotation was most accurate for diagnosis of rotator cuff and anteroinferior capsulolabral complex tears. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these preliminary results, we believe that MR arthrography with abduction and external rotation should be part of the imaging evaluation of shoulder pain in throwing athletes, owing to the high sensitivity of this imaging technique.     

Postoperative MRI of the shoulder

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the postoperative shoulder presents technical and diagnostic challenges related to imaging artifacts from hardware and micrometallic shavings, postsurgical scarring, and morphological alterations. Improved visualization of postoperative shoulder anatomy and pathology can be obtained with the use of metal artifact reduction techniques as well as MR arthrography. In this article we review the MR techniques that are designed to address these technical and diagnostic challenges, and we discuss the definitions and indications, normal MRI appearance, and complications of routine surgical procedures for treatment of injuries to the rotator cuff, labral ligamentous complex, and biceps tendon. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1280–1297 . © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc .     

Bicipital groove dysplasia and medial dislocation of the biceps brachii tendon

The purpose of this study was to investigate the plain film finding of dysplasia of the lesser tubercle of the humerus and its relationship to medial dislocation of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle as diagnosed by shoulder arthrography. Of 55 patients referred for arthrography of the shoulder because of undiagnosed shoulder pain, 12 demonstrated flattening of the medial wall of the bicipital tendon groove. Of these, 58% had medial dislocation of the biceps tendon, and 43% of patients with dislocation of the biceps tendon were also shown to have a tear of the rotator cuff. Since biceps tendon pathology has long been implicated in shoulder pain and weakness, assessment of the bicipital groove may provide important information in evaluating patients with potential abnormality of the biceps tendon.