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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2021; 25(03): 480-487
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728813
Review Article

3D MRI of the Shoulder

Steven P. Daniels
1   Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York
,
Soterios Gyftopoulos
1   Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York
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Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging provides a comprehensive evaluation of the shoulder including the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, glenoid labrum, long head biceps tendon, and glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint articulations. Most institutions use two-dimensional sequences acquired in all three imaging planes to accurately evaluate the many important structures of the shoulder. Recently, the addition of three-dimensional (3D) acquisitions with 3D reconstructions has become clinically feasible and helped improve our understanding of several important pathologic conditions, allowing us to provide added value for referring clinicians. This article briefly describes techniques used in 3D imaging of the shoulder and discusses applications of these techniques including measuring glenoid bone loss in anterior glenohumeral instability. We also review the literature on routine 3D imaging for the evaluation of common shoulder abnormalities as 3D imaging will likely become more common as imaging software continues to improve.

Keywords

shoulder - 3D MRI - glenoid bone loss - anterior glenohumeral instability


Publication History

Article published online:
21 September 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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