Magnetic resonance arthrography of the glenohumeral joint: ultrasonography-guided technique using a posterior approach.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and feasibility of ultrasound (US)-guided magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the glenohumeral joint via a posterior approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-four patients (18 males and 16 females) who were suspected to have glenohumeral joint pathology were examined using MR arthrography. The patients ranged in age from 21 to 85 years, and the average age was 45±15.9 years. A Toshiba Xario US unit was utilized. Ultrasonography examinations were conducted using a broad-band 5-12 MHz linear array transducer. Gadolinium was injected into the shoulder joint using an 18-20 gauge needle. MR imaging was performed within the first 30 min after the injection. RESULTS The injection of gadolinium into the shoulder joint was successfully accomplished in all 34 patients. Major contrast media extravasation outside the joint was depicted in only two patients (5.9%). No major complications were encountered. CONCLUSION Ultrasonography is an effective alternate guidance technique for the injection of gadolinium into the glenohumeral joint for MR arthrography. US-guided arthrography via a posterior approach to the glenohumeral joint is safe, accurate, well tolerated by patients and easy to perform with minimal training.