Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the identification of the anterior glenoid labrum with ultrasonography.
Methods: Twelve cadaveric shoulders from subjects 74 to 85 years of age were examined by ultrasonography. Under ultrasonographic guidance, a small amount of dye was injected on the structure believed to be the anterior glenoid labrum, whereafter the shoulders were dissected.
Results: In 11 shoulders the dye was found in close relation to the glenoid labrum. Comparing the labrum to a watch face numbered clockwise in the left shoulder, and counter clockwise in the right, the part seen was located between 1 and 5 o'clock. Signs of degeneration were found in six labra by ultrasonography and verified by blindfolded dissection.
Conclusions: Ultrasonography can identify the anterior glenoid labrum and distinguish degenerated from normal labra.
Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.