ABSTRACT
Scapulothoracic derangements are often overlooked and hidden within the clinical fog created by complex back, shoulder, and rib symptoms. This study reviewed 200 magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography studies dedicated for scapular imaging between January 2010 and May 2016. This article discusses scapulothoracic pathologies and imaging findings.
Subject(s)
Rib Cage/diagnostic imaging , Scapula/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Rib Cage/physiopathology , Scapula/physiopathology , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
The posterior glenoid labrum has numerous surrounding structures and any of them can undergo derangement. It is prudent to consider the posterior glenoid labrum complex (PGLC) as a whole rather than simply the labral tissue in isolation when evaluating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder. The PGLC contains the posterior capsulolabral junction, posterior capsule (posteroinferiorly , the posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament), posterior chondro-osseous junction, posterior chondrolabral junction, posterior glenoid bone, posterior glenoid subchondral bone, posterior glenoid cartilage, posterior labrum, synovial fold (variably seen), and posterior glenoid periosteum (or periosteal sleeve). Noninvasive MRI techniques are the mainstay in evaluating PGLC injury with or without the use of intra-articular gadolinium contrast agents. When using the PGLC model, a spectrum of pathology can be stratified.
Subject(s)
Cartilage, Articular/injuries , Fibrocartilage/injuries , Glenoid Cavity/injuries , Ligaments, Articular/injuries , Shoulder Injuries , Adolescent , Adult , Cartilage, Articular/pathology , Female , Fibrocartilage/pathology , Glenoid Cavity/pathology , Humans , Ligaments, Articular/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Shoulder Joint/pathologyABSTRACT
Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow detection of changes in molecular matrix of cartilage and thus allow the earliest detection of its breakdown. These MRI techniques are collectively referred to as "cartilage mapping," which attempts to designate a qualitative assessment of cartilage at each given location on the cartilage surface. These qualitative abnormalities can occur even in the setting of normal cartilage thickness and morphology. This article introduces the molecular biology behind this new technique, discusses some potential clinical applications, and discusses value added over traditional MRI cartilage evaluation.
