MR arthrography of rotator interval, long head of the biceps brachii, and biceps pulley of the shoulder

The rotator interval and the long head of the biceps brachii tendon are anatomically closely associated structures believed to confer stability to the shoulder joint. Abnormalities of the rotator interval may be acquired or congenital and are associated with instability of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon. Clinical and arthroscopic diagnoses of rotator interval abnormalities and subtle instability patterns of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon are difficult. Magnetic resonance arthrography, owing to its superior depiction of ligaments with distention of the joint capsule, may be the procedure of choice, barring open surgery, for help in diagnosis of these conditions. (C) RSNA, 2005.