Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2012; 16(01): 003-014
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1304297
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

MR and CT Arthrography of the Shoulder

Richard B. Rhee
1   Department of Radiology, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, California.
2   Newport Harbor Radiology Associates, Newport Beach, California.
3   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, California.
,
Karence K. Chan
1   Department of Radiology, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, California.
2   Newport Harbor Radiology Associates, Newport Beach, California.
,
John G. Lieu
1   Department of Radiology, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, California.
2   Newport Harbor Radiology Associates, Newport Beach, California.
,
Brian S. Kim
1   Department of Radiology, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach, California.
2   Newport Harbor Radiology Associates, Newport Beach, California.
,
Lynne S. Steinbach
4   Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
5   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 March 2012 (online)

Abstract

The combined use of shoulder arthrography with MR and CT imaging offers distinct advantages over conventional nonarthrographic imaging techniques. The improved contrast and joint distension afforded by direct arthrography optimize evaluation of various intra-articular structures and help to define subtle abnormalities and distinguish normal variants from true shoulder pathology. In this article, we review the rationale and basic approaches to shoulder arthrography as well as the imaging appearance of the normal shoulder, anatomical variants, and pathology highlighted by this technique.

 
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