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Open Access 01-02-2010 | Musculoskeletal

Detection of rotator cuff tears: the value of MRI following ultrasound

Authors: Matthieu J. C. M. Rutten, Gert-Jan Spaargaren, Ton van Loon, Maarten C. de Waal Malefijt, Lambertus A. L. M. Kiemeney, Gerrit J. Jager

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 2/2010

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the need for additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following ultrasound (US) in patients with shoulder pain and/or disability and to compare the accuracy of both techniques for the detection of partial-thickness and full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCT).

Methods

In 4 years, 5,216 patients underwent US by experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Retrospectively, patient records were evaluated if MRI and surgery were performed within 5 months of US. US and MRI findings were classified into intact cuff, partial-thickness and full-thickness RCT, and were correlated with surgical findings.

Results

Additional MR imaging was performed in 275 (5.2%) patients. Sixty-eight patients underwent surgery within 5 months. US and MRI correctly depicted 21 (95%) and 22 (100%) of the 22 full-thickness tears, and 8 (89%) and 6 (67%) of the 9 partial-thickness tears, respectively. The differences in performance of US and MRI were not statistically significant (p = 0.15).

Conclusions

MRI following routine shoulder US was requested in only 5.2% of the patients. The additional value of MRI was in detecting intra-articular lesions. In patients who underwent surgery, US and MRI yielded comparably high sensitivity for detecting full-thickness RCT. US performed better in detecting partial-thickness tears, although the difference was not significant.

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Title: Detection of rotator cuff tears: the value of MRI following ultrasound
Authors: Matthieu J. C. M. Rutten
Gert-Jan Spaargaren
Ton van Loon
Maarten C. de Waal Malefijt
Lambertus A. L. M. Kiemeney
Gerrit J. Jager
Publication date: 01-02-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1561-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Detection of rotator cuff tears: the value of MRI following ultrasound

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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