Shoulder MR arthrogram (instability protocol)

-->

  

Indications: antero-inferior labral pathology, shoulder dislocation/instability.

Sequences: shoulder in external rotation

·        Axial T1 SE with fat saturation

·        Oblique coronal T1 SE with fat saturation

·        Oblique coronal STIR

·        Oblique coronal T2 FSE with fat saturation

·        Oblique sagittal T1 SE with fat saturation

·        Oblique sagittal T1 SE

·        Oblique sagittal T2 FSE with fat saturation

·        ABER T1 SE with fat saturation

Comments:

·        Added sequence with shoulder in Abduction External Rotation puts traction on the anteroinferior labrum and inferior glenohumeral ligament, diagnosing pathology resulting from anterior shoulder dislocations. 

·        Added benefit of assessing articular-surface rotator cuff tendon tears.

·        T2 FSE with fat saturation: adjust TE to 40 msec (+/-5 msec).

Dictation template:

After the administration of 12 mL of dilute intra-articular Gadolinium contrast, oblique coronal T1 spin echo with fat saturation and STIR, oblique sagittal T1 spin echo with and without fat saturation, oblique sagittal T2 fast spin echo with fat saturation, axial and ABER T1 spin echo with fat saturation through the shoulder.