Magnetic Resonance Arthrogram is More Accurate and Precise Than Conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluating Labral Tears After First-Time Shoulder Dislocation.

Recent research shows that magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) offers better definition of certain shoulder pathology, especially labral tears, compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conventional MRI accuracy and precision deteriorates after two weeks, and few health delivery environments achieve MRI within 14 days of a shoulder dislocation. Moreover, further loss of MRI accuracy is time dependent. While MRA should be considered as a first-line imaging study when evaluating shoulder instability more than two weeks after the patient's injury, one must also consider clinical value and cost-effectiveness.