American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 166, 869-873, Copyright © 1996 by American Roentgen Ray Society

ARTICLES

The Buford complex--a variation of normal shoulder anatomy: MR arthrographic imaging features

PF Tirman, JF Feller, WE Palmer, KW Carroll, LS Steinbach and I Cox
San Francisco Magnetic Resonance Center, CA, USA.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to show the MR arthrographic imaging features of a normal anatomic variation of the shoulder: the absence of the anterior superior labrum and the presence of a "cordlike" middle glenohumeral ligament,which together are known as the Buford complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively analyzed the MR arthrographic examinations of 10 patients with arthroscopically proven Buford complexes. RESULTS. MR arthrographic examinations showed an absent anterior superior labrum and an associated cordlike middle glenohumeral ligament in all patients. No contiguous tear of the superior labrum or anterior inferior labrum was evident. Originally, this variation was mistakenly diagnosed as a labral avulsion in two of the 10 patients. Also, a differential diagnosis of a superior labral tear was mistakenly offered for four patients. CONCLUSION. An absent anterior superior labrum and an associated cordlike middle glenohumeral ligament represent the normal variation that is known as the Buford complex rather than an avulsed labrum. This normal variation may be mistaken for a detached labrum.
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