The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of labral lesions in patients with anterior shoulder dislocation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the ability of ultrasonography to detect labral lesions in patients with anterior shoulder dislocation.

Methods: We examined 29 patients with anterior shoulder dislocation with ultrasonography prior to arthroscopy.

Results: Twenty-six patients had labral lesions diagnosed by arthroscopy. These lesions were detected by ultrasonography with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 67%. All lesions affected the anterior labrum, while six extended to the posterior labrum. The latter were not visualized by ultrasonography.

Conclusion: Ultrasonography is valuable in the detection of anterior labral lesions even in patients with recent shoulder dislocation.