Rotator cuff interval: evaluation with MR imaging and MR arthrography of the shoulder in 32 cadavers.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this work was to establish the optimal means of evaluation of the rotator cuff interval (RCI) and rotator interval capsule and demonstrate normal anatomy of the RCI using MR imaging and MR arthrography.


METHODS
MR arthrography was performed in 32 cadaveric shoulders. In 20 cases, MR imaging was completed prior to arthrography. Pre- and postarthrography studies included standard imaging planes. Images were evaluated by the consensus of two musculoskeletal radiologists with attention to the RCI, rotator interval capsule (measurements on postarthrographic studies), and crossing structures. In five cases, specialized imaging planes were performed after arthrography.


RESULTS
The RCI, rotator interval capsule, and crossing structures were best evaluated by MR arthrography. The anteroposterior dimension of the rotator interval capsule could be best depicted on postarthrogram images.


CONCLUSIONS
MR arthrography, with both standard and specialized imaging planes, is a useful way to evaluate the RCI, the rotator interval capsule, and its crossing structures.
Chung
C B
CB
Department of Radiology, University of California and Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Diego 92161, USA. cbchung@ucsd.edu
Dwek
J R
JR
Cho
G J
GJ
Lektrakul
N
N
Trudell
D
D
Resnick
D
D
D000368:Aged; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*