Arthrography of the shoulder: A modified ultrasound guided technique of joint injection at the rotator interval

ObjectiveTo describe an ultrasound guided technique of shoulder joint injection at the rotator interval space, using an endocavitary transducer and performed by a radiologist with no previous experience with arthrography.Materials and methodAccuracy of the intra-articular puncture and incidence of complications were evaluated in 180 consecutive patients submitted to joint puncture for shoulder MR arthrography.ResultsPuncture was accomplished successfully in all cases, of which 92% with one attempt, and 8% with two, both well tolerated by patients. No relevant complications were reported after the procedure.ConclusionThis study has shown that puncture of the glenohumeral joint guided by ultrasound at the rotator interval space using an endocavitary transducer is easy and quick, even when performed by radiologists with no experience in arthrographic procedures.