INDICATORS OF SUPERIOR GLENOID LABRAL DETACHMENT ON MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING AND COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY ARTHROGRAPHY

The magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography arthrographic f indings of 36 shoulders with arthroscopically diagnosed detachment of the superior labrum were compared with those of 40 shoulders with a no rmal superior labrum to detect any findings specific to the injury. In this study we defined a specific magnetic resonance imaging finding a s the presence of a linear, high-to-intermediate intensity area betwee n the superior labrum and the glenoid rim on oblique coronal T2-weight ed images. We also defined a specific computed tomography arthrography finding as air entering between the superior labrum and the upper par t of the glenoid surface. On the basis of these findings magnetic reso nance imaging had a sensitivity of 41%, a specificity of 86%, and an a ccuracy of 63%, whereas computed tomography arthrography had a sensiti vity of 45%, a specificity of 93%, and an accuracy of 73%. Thus both o f these procedures were specific for these particular Findings, but th ey were neither sensitive nor accurate.