Which joint is primarily assessed using arthrography?

Arthrography is a specialized imaging technique used to visualize joints by injecting a contrast material into the joint space. This method helps in diagnosing conditions such as tears, inflammation, and cartilage issues by providing detailed images of the joint structures.

The shoulder joint is primarily assessed using arthrography because it allows for an excellent view of the rotator cuff, labrum, and surrounding soft tissues. The complexity of the shoulder's anatomy, combined with its range of motion and common pathologies, makes arthrography particularly useful. Imaging techniques for the shoulder, when enhanced with contrast, can delineate structures that are otherwise difficult to visualize clearly on standard radiographs or even MRI.

In contrast, while knee joints, hip joints, and elbow joints can also be assessed using arthrography, it is the shoulder joint that benefits the most from this technique due to the common injuries and conditions that affect it, including tears and impingement syndromes. Therefore, the use of arthrography is especially relevant for providing vital diagnostic information in shoulder joint evaluations.