In this third part of Glenoid Labrum MRI Simplified we look at the Buford Complex. If you have not seen Part 1 and Part 2 please look at those posts before reading this.
Definition: Absent anterosuperior labrum, with a thick middle glenohumeral ligament.
MRI APPEARANCE:
The image below shows a comparison of the normal appearance of the labrum and MGHL (top row of images) with the appearance of a Buford Complex (bottom row). The points to note in a Buford Complex:
The Antero Inferior Labrum is Normal (if it is abnormal then there is a tear present).
The Superior Labrum posterior to the biceps insertion is normal (if it is abnormal then there is a tear present).
The middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) is thick.
The thick MGHL can look like a displaced labrum. Follow it below the equator to see if the labrum still looks abnormal or not.
The tip of the coracoid defines the level of the equator (see this post on labrum anatomy). Labral changes around this level, doesn’t have to be exact.
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In our next post we look at the Sublabral Foramen