Study on the MRI features of normal postoperative glenoid labrum compared to recurrent tears

Abstract

The study evaluates the effectiveness of MRI and MR arthrograms in detecting recurrent glenoid labral tears, highlighting MRI's ability to visualize soft tissues and assess postoperative repair integrity, crucial for diagnosing labral injuries and ensuring appropriate treatment. The study included 25 patients (72% male, 28% female) with recurrent shoulder repair. Recurrent labral tears were observed in 14 patients on MR arthrogram with 81-91% sensitivity and 76-86% specificity based on age. In 12% of patients, paralabral cysts were observed. Overhead activity was present in 44% of patients and most frequently in males under 30. Recurrent labral tear is seen in most of the patients with MRI imaging. The study found that MRI and MR arthrogram are useful diagnostic instruments with comparatively high sensitivity and specificity for detecting recurrent labral tears in postoperative patients, especially in patients between 35-40 years. This retrospective study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of MR arthrograms in detecting recurrent glenoid labral tears after surgery, analyzing sensitivity, specificity, demographics, recurrence causes and secondary findings.

Keywords: Glenoid labrum; MR arthrogram; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); recurrent glenoid labral tears.

Figure 1

Flowchart of study design

Figure 2a

High signal intensity extending medially and follow the contour of glenoid cartilage and having smooth margin-s/o Sub labral recess-Normal variant. High signal intensity seen in superior labrum with fraying of margin-s/o Slap tear

Figure 2b

High signal intensity seen in superior labrum with fraying of margin-s/o Slap tear