J Korean Radiol Soc.  1999 Feb;40(2):329-332. 10.3348/jkrs.1999.40.2.329.

Subchondral Cysts of the Humeral Head: MR Imaging Findings

• Yoon YC
• Ryu KN
• Yoon Y
• Rhee YG

• KMID: 1832249
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1999.40.2.329

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the findings of subchondral cyst of the humeral head, as seen on shoulder MRarthrography MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients( M:F=62:1 ; mean age 23 years) who underwent shoulder MRarthrography between September 1996 and May 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. No patient had a history of eithershoulder dislocation or certain diseases known to be commonl accompanied by subchondral cysts. All MR images wereobtained using a 1.5 Tesla unit after intraarticular injection of 20ml of diluted contrast material. T1 andT2-weighted axial, oblique coronal, and oblique sagittal images were analysed for the presence, location, number,shape, size, and connection to the joint cavity of subchondral cysts. RESULTS: We identified 58 subchondral cystsin 43(71.7%) of 63 cases. All were located in the posterolateral portion of the humeral head, and on the physealline. Twenty-eight patients(65.1%) had one cyst, and 15(34.9%) had two. Thirty-four cysts(58.6%) were round orovoid in shape and, 2-8mm in diameter(average, 3.9mm) ; 24(41.4%) were lobulated and 3-10mm in diameter(average5.3mm). Fifty-three cysts(91.4%) were connected to the joint cavity. CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic patients, the incidence of subchondral cyst of the humeral head was 71.7%. All were located in the posterolateral portion, andon the physeal line. Most subchondral cysts were connected with the joint cavity.

Keyword

Shoulder, MR; Shoulder, abnormalities; Magnetic Resonance(MR), arthrography; Bones, cyst

MeSH Terms

Bone Cysts*
Dislocations
Humans
Humeral Head*
Incidence
Injections, Intra-Articular
Joints
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Retrospective Studies
Shoulder