MRI Arthrogram Shoulder: Rule Out Labral Tear
To rule out a labral tear, an MRI arthrogram needs to be ordered, not an MRI with contrast. When an "MRI with contrast" is ordered, contrast is injected into the vein, while the arthrogram injects contrast directly into the joint under fluoroscopy guidance.
Below: an MRI arthrogram showing injection of contrast into the shoulder joint.
SLAP tear, which stands for Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior, is diagnosed with an MRI arthrogram. The tear is circled in the MRI image below.
