[Arthrography in humeroscapular peri-arthritis].

Abstract

Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint affect the capsule much more frequently than might be expected and are not seen on a plain radiograph. Arthrography of the shoulder has become of increasing significance in view of modern surgical management. Arthrography is used particularly to demonstrate a tear of the rotator cuff (especially the supra spinatus and infra spinatus). It also shows other important abnormalities which cause pain on movement, such as adhesions, tight capsule and the formation of septa. The indications, technique and necessary records, as well as typical pathological findings, are demonstrated in forty shoulder arthrograms. Hemuro-scapular peri-arthritis is a collective term for complex, primarily degenerative or posttraumatic, changes including peri-articular calcification. Demonstration of calcification alone does not justify the radiological diagnosis of humeroscapular peri-arthritis.