The CT-arthrography in the antero-inferior glenoid labral lesion: Pictorial presentation and diagnostic value

ABSTRACT

Objective: To present the Computed Tomography (CT)-Arthrography appearance of the most common types of anterior labral lesion and to assess the diagnostic value of this technique in the detection and classification of the antero-inferior labral tears in glenohumeral joint instability. Materials and Methods: The pre-operative CT-Arthrography records of 43 patients; who underwent surgery for anterior shoulder instability; were retrospectively evaluated independently by two radiologists. The data were compared with arthros- copic results and the diagnostic accuracy of CT-Arthrography was calculated to detect the labral lesion and the agreement between the CT-Arthrography lesions classification and the arthroscopy classification. Results: The CT-Arthrography sensitivity; specificity and accuracy were 92/ 89(reader 1/reader 2); 86/ 86and 91/ 88respectively. The CT-Arthrography classification was correct in 86of cases. Conclusions: CT-Arthrography appears to be an accurate means for identification and classification of the anterior labral tears and; identifying the labral degeneration; this technique can be very helpful in the selection of patient for arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder