Objective To analyze the application value of MRI and MR arthrography in superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) injuries of the shoulder joint and to summarize its clinical characteristics. Methods The clinical data of 105 patients with shoulder injury who received arthroscopic surgery after MRI and MR arthrography in the hospital during August 2013 to January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The reading and dealing of the images were performed by both of the sports medicine doctor and a skeletal musculature imaging doctor. The results of MRI and MR arthrography were compared with the arthroscopic results. The diagnostic value of MRI and MR arthrography in superior labrum anterior and posterior lesions of the shoulder was evaluated. Results 28 cases of SLAP were detected by MRI. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 73.68%, 88.24% and 83.81%, respectively. 34 cases of SLAP were detected by MR arthrography. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 91.89%, 96.97% and 93.33%, respectively. 38 cases of SLAP were detected by arthroscopy. And among them, there were 4 cases of type I, 19 cases of typeⅡ, 11 cases of type III and 3 cases of type IV. The coincidence rate of MRI type was 73.68% while that of MR arthrography type was 86.84%. Conclusion The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MR arthrography in the diagnosis of superior labrum anterior and posterior injuries of the shoulder joint are relatively higher, and the coincidence rate with shoulder arthrography type is high