Reliability of non-imaging-guided glenohumeral joint injection through rotator interval approach in patients undergoing diagnostic MR arthrography

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Sep;191(3):W96-9. doi: 10.2214/AJR.07.3468.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of our study is to review the accuracy of our method of non-imaging-guided anterior glenohumeral gadolinium contrast injection targeting the rotator interval in 100 consecutive patients.

Materials and methods: One hundred consecutive community-referred patients at our MRI facility underwent non-imaging-guided glenohumeral contrast injection targeting the rotator interval, with no patients excluded on the basis of expected diagnosis. The studies were then retrospectively reviewed for accuracy of injection based on patient factors and diagnosis.

Results: This method was 99% accurate in our study, regardless of diagnosis.

Conclusion: The relative ease, efficiency, reproducibility, and accuracy of this method of non-imaging-guided anterior glenohumeral injection make it the method of choice at our institution, and we believe this technique merits consideration for more widespread utilization.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthrography / methods*
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Injections / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Shoulder Joint / anatomy & histology*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA