Role of MR Arthrography in Diagnosis of Glenohumeral Instability and Shoulder Impingement

Abstract

lenohumeral instability and shoulder impingement lesions remain a very complex and sometimes challenging diagnostic problem, the clinical history and physical findings are not always sufficient to make accurate diagnosis. In the past, several imaging modalities were used to examine the shoulder ranging from conventional radiography, US to conventional MR images and computerized axial arthrography. All these modalities have a limited role when they come to diagnose labral capsular ligamentous complex lesions at which the arthroscopy is the gold standard procedure. Duo to the invasive nature and coastlines of arthroscopy, there was a need for a less invasive, coast effective and more accurate investigation modality To improve the evaluation of smaller intra-articular structures such as the glenoid labrum and glenohumeral ligaments, MR arthrography is increasingly recognized as the examination of choice in glenohumeral instability providing demarcation of complex anatomic structures of the joint and demonstration of subtle abnormalities, with excellent delineation of associated intra-articular lesions.