We have used double-contrast arthrotomography to assess the glenoid
labrum, as plain radiographs and single-contrast arthrograms are
unsatisfactory for this purpose. Establishing the clinical diagnosis of a
torn glenoid labrum may be difficult, as not all patients with such tears
have a history of a previous shoulder dislocation. The glenoid labrum is
seen distinctly on double-contrast arthrotomography, and tears are
manifested by truncation or blunting of the anteroinferior lip. We compared
the anatomy of the normal shoulder as seen in double-contrast
arthrotomography with that seen in patients with surgically proved tears of
the glenoid labrum. Double-contrast arthrotomography is an accurate method
of assessing the integrity of the glenoid labrum, and it has important
implications for the operative management of patients with trauma to the
shoulder.