As promised, I wanted to post the results of my MRI arthrogram so you could see a sample write-up if your imaging center provides this type of analysis.  I wish I would have gotten the actual pictures as Andy did, but maybe I'll check back with them to see if I can still acquire the images.

Overall, the arthrogram was a fairly cool process.  This was my first one and I enjoyed being able to watch the process on the X-Ray machine.  There is no pain involved at all other than a minor prick when they first inject the lidocaine and I had zero adverse affects after the procedure other than a very minor dull ache in my shoulder later that day.

Following are the actual results from the test.  If you don't know the medical lingo, you will once it is your experience as I'm sure everyone here can attest...

EXAMINATION: MR arthrogram left shoulder.

INDICATION: Glenohumeral instability.

TECHNIQUE:  Shoulder arthrography for MRI was explained to the patient including risks, benefits and alternatives.  Specific risks of infection, bleeding and drug allergies were discussed.  The patient agreed to proceed.  The skin was prepped and draped in usual sterile fashion.  2% lidocaine was used for local anesthetic.  A 25 gauge needle was advanced into the glenohumeral joint from an anterior approach under fluoroscopic guidance using the rotator interval approach.  12cc of a dilute Magnevist and Optiray mixture were then injected without complication.  The patient tolerated the procedure well.

Following the arthrogram, standard magnetic resonance arthrogram sequences were obtained through the left shoulder with a 1.5 tesla magnet.

FINDINGS:  There is a nearly circumferential glenoid labral tear.  There is also developing osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint with joint line osteophytes of the humeral head and glenoid.  Cystic change and eburnation is noted at the anterior medial aspect of the humeral head.  Given the circumferential labral abnormality, multidirectional instability is suggested.  The glenoid fossa is slightly hypoplastic.

There is mild tendinosis of the rotator cuff especially supraspinatus tendon.  No high-grade partial or full thickness tear.

Long head biceps demonstrates intra-articular tendinosis.

There is cortical thickening of the spine of the scapula.  This suggests a previous healed stress fracture or traumatic fracture correlate clinically.

IMPRESSION:  Circumferential left glenoid labral tear with developing osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint.  Findings suggest multidirectional instability chronically.  Long head biceps tendinosis.  Rotator cuff tendinosis primarily supraspinatus.

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