Abstract:Objective To compare intra-articular structural abnormalities in patients with traumatic anterior dislocation of shoulder by MRI at different time intervals. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 89 patients from our hospital with clinically and radiographically confirmed primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those undergoing MRI less than 6 months (n = 44) or more than 6 months (n = 45) from the initial dislocation event. The MRI assessment evaluated soft tissue injuries, including the labrum, capsule, rotator cuff, cartilage damage severity and bone loss. Results The >6 months group demonstrated a greater degree of intra-articular abnormalities compared to the <6 months group (P < 0.05). A greater percentage of superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears (57.8% VS 34.1%, respectively) and cartilage damage (73.3% VS 27.3%, respectively) was present in the >6 months group compared to the <6 months group (P < 0.05). Mild, moderate and severe cartilage damage was 18.2% , 6.8% and 2.3% in the <6 months group as compared to 37.8%, 31.1%, and 4.4% in the >6 months group, respectively. Additionally, more recurrent shoulder dislocations were seen in the >6 months group compared to the<6 months group (P < 0.05). In the <6 months group, there were more rotator cuff tears (50.0% VS 24.4%, respectively) and capsular tears (25.0% VS 8.8%, respectively) than those in the>6 months group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Patients who undergo MRI more than 6 months from the time of primary or initial shoulder dislocation have more recurrent shoulder instability events and demonstrate greater incidence and severity of intra-articular abnormalities.