The Glenoid Labral Articular Teardrop Lesion: A Chondrolabral Injury With Distinct Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.

PURPOSE: Evaluation and description of a pathognomonic lesion identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a chondrolabral injury of the glenohumeral joint.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively identified at the time of MRI by a characteristic teardrop appearance of a pedicled displaced chondrolabral flap in the axillary recess on coronal imaging and retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

In a sample of 36 patients, there were 30 males (83%), and the average age was 27 years (14-75 years). Twenty-four (67%) were noted to have sustained an instability episode or had findings of instability on physical examination; 19 patients (53%) were playing a sport at the time of injury. The characteristic teardrop lesion measured 3.36 mm (1-9 mm) in the coronal plane, 6.98 mm (2-20 mm) sagittal and 11.78 mm (1-25 mm) longitudinal. The lesion was located in the anterior inferior quadrant of the glenoid.

CONCLUSIONS

The glenoid labral articular teardrop (GLAT) lesion represents a pathognomonic lesion in the spectrum of chondral labral injury, indicating articular cartilage damage to the glenoid.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.