[Cine-MRI of the shoulder. Normal aspects].

PURPOSE

To define the normal patterns of gleno-humeral joint, with kinematic MR imaging in asymptomatic volunteers.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Twenty asymptomatic volunteers (39 shoulders) were studied with a 1.5 Tesla imager. Successive acquisitions Flash (99, 18, 15 degrees) were obtained in the axial plane, from full internal to full external rotation, at the superior, mid and inferior glenoid level.

RESULTS

Free edge of the anterior labrum was noted slightly mobile, its base was always immobile. The anterior labrum exhibited modification of shape and increased signal intensity in internal rotation (54%). The posterior labrum remained motionless in 97% and neither shape or signal intensity changes were noted in internal rotation. Inferior labro-capsular ligamentous complex was visualised in all cases. The anterior capsular joint was taut in external rotation and exhibited a slack (51%) or folded (13.5%) pattern during internal rotation.

CONCLUSION

Kinematic MR imaging allows a dynamic assessment of the different anatomic components which may be implicated in shoulder instability. It provides information about the labro-capsular ligamentous complex.