Abstract
The labrum of the shoulder joint plays an important role in shoulder instability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography(US) in the diagnosis of a labrum injury.
Materials and methods
Four cadaver's shoulder and 10 macerated scapulae were examined to identify the best position for the diagnois of the labrum; that is, the position at which there is no interference from bone structures and the US beam can be directed to the surface of the labrum vertically to obtain a clear US image. On the basis of these results,19 patients with labrum injuries (8 superior and 11 anteroinferior) were examined by US before surgery and the US findings were compared with the operative findings.
Results and discussion
The anatomical study showed that it was possible to investigate the labrum by US at 4,8-10 and 11 o'clock positions (right alenoid). In the clinical study,4 shoulders with superior labrum injuries (SLAP lesions, types 3 and 4), four with a bony Bankart's lesion and three with a detachment of the anteroinferior labrum were detected by US. From these results, we consider that US is useful in the diagnosis of a labrum injury.
