Posterosuperior glenoid impingement of the shoulder: findings at MR imaging and MR arthrography with arthroscopic correlation.

PURPOSE

To determine the utility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography in the evaluation of arthroscopic findings of posterosuperior glenoid impingement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The findings at MR imaging, MR arthrography, and physical examination with the patient under anesthesia were retrospectively reviewed in eight patients with arthroscopic evidence of posterosuperior glenoid impingement.

RESULTS

All patients had shoulder pain; anterior instability was found in six patients. Other than bone marrow abnormalities, findings at MR imaging were not reliable for the detection of posterosuperior glenoid impingement. MR arthrography was superior to routine MR imaging in all four cases in which it was done; positioning the shoulder in abduction and external rotation was beneficial in three of four patients.

CONCLUSION

Impingement of the rotator cuff on the posterior superior glenoid labrum is a cause of posterior shoulder pain in athletes who throw. MR arthrography may allow detection of abnormalities associated with this clinical entity.