Analysis of glenohumeral joint intraarticular pressure measurements in volume-limited MR arthrograms in patients with shoulder-instability compared to a control group

Purpose: Compare intraarticular pressure of the glenohumeral joint in patients with and without shoulder instability after a volume-limited arthrogram. Materials and methods: Patients aged 18–45 years with shoulder instability or pain were included. After injecting 10 cc of contrast-mixture, intraarticular pressure was recorded using an arterial-line pressure-transducer connected to a portable monitor. Results: 14/16 (86%) patients were included – 7/14 (50%) had instability. Post-injection pressure measurement averaged 59.9 ± 44.0 mmHg (range 15–181). Instability patients averaged 60.8 ± 37.6 (range 15–117) versus 41.9 ± 14.0 mmHg (range 30–64) for non-instability (p > 0.1). Conclusion: Glenohumeral pressure measurements are variable when utilizing standardized volume-limited arthrograms.