Objective: We describe the MR imaging findings of focal articular cartilage lesions of the superior humeral head and the clinical features in seven patients.
Conclusion: Focal articular cartilage lesions of the superior humeral head are rare lesions that may cause clinical symptoms and may be easily overlooked on MR imaging. These lesions occur in a particular location (along the superior surface of the posterior humeral head, medial to the expected location of a Hill-Sachs lesion), are caused by trauma, and do not seem to have a specific mechanism of injury. Because of improvements in MR imaging of cartilage, this area of the shoulder should be inspected for this lesion.