European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: The shoulder arthroscopy is the gold standard of reference in most of the shoulder pathologies including Rotator cuff tears. However, it is an invasive surgical procedure with associated risks of surgery and anaesthesia. The objective of the present study is to find out how accurately the rotator cuff pathologies can be diagnosed by these imaging tests.
Aims and Objectives: To compare the Ultrasonography, MRI findings with the Arthroscopic findings of Rotator cuff pathology of the shoulder.
Materials and Methods: All patients in whom the history and clinical examination is suggestive of Rotator cuff pathology were included in the study. Patients were evaluated using high resolution Ultrasound (HRUS) Philips HD-11, Germany and 1.5-Tesla MRI [1.5 Tesla, GE, Excite HD and USA]. Ultrasonographic and MRI examination is performed by a single radiologist experienced in musculoskeletal ultrasonography and MR Imaging. A Real time high resolution USG imaging and MRI of the shoulder was performed in a standardized fashion and subsequently with therapeutic or diagnostic arthroscopy on the symptomatic shoulder. Results were analyzed.
Results: Considering arthroscopy as the final gold standard of investigation, out of the 24 patients studied, five (20.8%) had rotator cuff tendinosis/tendinopathy, four (16.6%) had PT RCT, twelve (50%) had FT RCT while the remaining three (12.6%) had normal rotator cuff. The average delay between the MRI examination and arthroscopic surgery was 6 days (range 0-27 days) but in one case, it was as long as 117 days. A total of five (20.8%) patients were in the age group < 40 years while another five (20.8%) were between 40-50 years age group. A majority of eleven (45.8%) patients were between 50-60 years old while three (12.6%) were above 60 years.
Conclusion: It should be noted that following USG of the shoulder performed by a dedicated radiologist, MRI offers little additional value, with regard to the detection of rotator cuff tears.