G. Bachmann et al., DIAGNOSTIC-ACCURACY AND THERAPEUTIC RELEVANCE OF CT ARTHROGRAPHY AND MR ARTHROGRAPHY OF THE SHOULDER JOINT, RoFo. Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der neuenbildgebenden Verfahren, 168(2), 1998, pp. 149-156
Citations number
25
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology,Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Journal title
RoFo. Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der neuenbildgebenden Verfahren
Purpose: In glenohumeral instability, CT arthrography and MR arthrogra
phy of the shoulder joint were compared to assess accuracy in diagnosi
s of labral lesions and other internal derangements of the joint, and
to evaluate relevance of both imaging methods for therapy. Methods: 38
patients with symptoms of shoulder instability were examined clinical
ly, arthrographically with CT and MRI, and arthroscopically, Arthrogra
phy with CT and MRI was performed in a double-contrast technique after
single puncture and simultaneous injection of the contrast agents for
both imaging methods. Type and extent of lesions on arthrographic ima
ging were criteria for planning therapy to a conservative, sole arthro
scopic, or open surgical approach. Results: Sensitivity in diagnosis o
f labral lesion (26 defects) was 85% in CT, 88% in MRI and 100%, if bo
th methods were used. Full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff were vi
sualised in CT in 73%, and in MRI In 100%. Diagnostic accuracy increas
ed from partial to complete to total defects. An open surgical approac
h was correctly predicted on MRI in 90% and on CT in 71%. A sole arthr
oscopic therapy was correctly foreseen on both arthrographic technique
s in only 38% due to difficulties to assess glenohumeral ligaments. Co
nclusions: CT arthrography and MR arthrography were excellent for diag
nosing labral lesions, MR1 is superior to CT in the imaging of all joi
nt structures. Surgical approach can be accurately predicted with both
imaging methods but special surgical techniques cannot be effectively
planned to replace diagnostic arthroscopy in all cases.