Indicators of superior glenoid labral detachment on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography arthrography

Abstract The magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography arthrographic findings of 36 shoulders with arthroscopically diagnosed detachment of the superior labrum were compared with those of 40 shoulders with a normal superior labrum to detect any findings specific to the injury. In this study we defined a specific magnetic resonance imaging finding as the presence of a linear, high-to-intermediate intensity area between the superior labrum and the glenoid rim on oblique coronal T2-weighted images. We also defined a specific computed tomography arthrography finding as air entering between the superior labrum and the upper part of the glenoid surface. On the basis of these findings magnetic resonance imaging had a sensitivity of 41%, a specificity of 86%, and an accuracy of 63%, whereas computed tomography arthrography had a sensitivity of 45%, a specificity of 93%, and an accuracy of 73%. Thus both of these procedures were specific for these particular findings, but they were neither sensitive nor accurate. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 1998;7:2-12.)