Abstracto

Radiological assessment of shoulder instability

A Mistry and AP Toms

Shoulder instability is a common problem, defined as symptomatic motion of the glenohumeral joint that can present as pain or a sense of displacement. There are a multitude of lesions/injuries associated with shoulder instability, many of which are further subdivided or subclassified. This causes much confusion, that is not helped by the various acronyms used to name the abnormalities. Arthrographic imaging methods are commonly used to delineate these, in particular MR arthrography. This article attempts to address these lesions/injuries in a logical and practical approach with emphasis on the anatomy and key imaging findings that influence surgical management.