The double contrast shoulder arthrogram: evaluation of rotary cuff tears.

Double contrast shoulder arthrograms revealed rotator cuff abnormalities in 14 of 31 cases. Although both the single and double contrast methods provide a means of diagnosing complete tears of the cuff, or partial tears of its inferior surface, the double contrast study provides additional information regarding the width of the tear, the presence of degenerative changes in the cuff, and the condition of the articular cartilages.