The aim of this study was to assess patients with intraarticular and extraarticular disorders of the shoulder joint and to compare the effectiveness MRI and arthroscopic findings. Conventional MR images and MR arthrograms were obtained in 24 patients from January 2004 to January 2006. Each patient subsequently underwent shoulder arthroscopy. Detailed arthroscopic reports were reviewed and compared with the MR findings. Specificity and sensitivity was calculated to determine efectivity of MRI examination. The arthroscopic findings were used as the standard for reference. SLAP lesions were diagnosed with the sensitivity of 40 %, anterior labral tears were diagnosed with the sensitivity of 45 %, sensitivity for rotator cuff tears was 87.5 %. MRI is an accurate technique for assessing derangements of shoulder joint such as rotator cuff tears. For SLAP laesions and anterior labral tears MRI is not so accurate to use them in preoperative planning.

        Key words: arthroscopy, shoulder joint, magnetic resonace imaging, SLAP lesion