Editorial Commentary: Measurement of Glenoid Bone Loss With Computed Tomography Scan Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract

Glenoid bone loss remains the largest risk factor for failure after arthroscopic Bankart reconstruction, and its measurement has been called for in all cases of patients undergoing stabilization. Accurate measurements of glenoid bone loss are of the utmost importance, because just 4 mm of "subcritical" loss can separate surgical success from failure. The computed tomography scan is a standard for bone loss measurement, but patients also typically require magnetic resonance imaging for other reasons. If we can use magnetic resonance imaging to measure bone loss, we may be able to avoid radiation, cost, and inconvenience to patients while still ensuring that this critical measure is performed correctly and the proper surgical approach is applied.