[Double contrast arthrography of the shoulder joint].

The shoulder joint consists of the soft as well as the hard components. Therefore, the shoulder arthrography is a very important diagnostic tool. Although both positive and negative contrast arthrography have been critically studied, there has been little literature on the double contrast arthrography. The purpose of this paper is to determine the standard technique of the double contrast arthrography, to describe arthrographic findings and to assess its clinical effectiveness of this method. Firstly, the author macroscopically examined the anatomical specimens and molded the interior of the joints with Mercox in the various arm positions. From this experiment, the author correlated the anatomical structures with the shadows on the double contrast arthrogram. Secondly, the arthrography was performed in the normal young adults to determine the ideal volume of the contrast media and the standard positioning of roentgenography. The standard findings were obtained from the arthrograms of normal adults. Thirdly, the author performed the double contrast arthrography to the various shoulder disorders based on the previous experiments to determine the effectiveness of this method. It was concluded as follows pertaining to the double contrast arthrography of the shoulder: The ideal volume of the contrast media is the combination of 1.0-1.5 ml of 76% Urografin and 10-12 ml of room-air. The minimal standard projections needed are antero-posterior views in internal and external rotation, scapular Y view in standing position and axillary view in supine position. This method provides many informations about the interior of the joint and enables us to build up three-dimensional image. This is best indicated to examine the anatomical changes in the disturbance of the anterior capsular mechanism.