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Published in: Skeletal Radiology 1/2014

01-01-2014 | Scientific Article

MR versus MR arthrography in detection of supraspinatus tendon tears in patients without previous shoulder surgery

Author: Thomas Magee

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

We report the prevalence of supraspinatus tendon tears seen on MR arthrography that are not seen on conventional MR exam in the same patient population.

Materials and methods

A total of 150 consecutive conventional shoulder MR and MR arthrography exams performed on the same patients who went on to arthroscopy were reviewed retrospectively by consensus reading of two musculoskeletal radiologists. Full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears were assessed. None of the patients had previous shoulder surgery.

Results

There were 113 full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears seen on conventional MR exam while there were 119 full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears seen on MR arthrography. The six additional full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears seen on MR arthrography but not seen on conventional MR exam were confirmed at arthroscopy.

Conclusions

Some full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears are not seen on conventional MR exam but are seen on MR arthrography. This is most likely due to fibrosis at the supraspinatus tendon tear site simulating an intact tendon on conventional MR.
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Metadata
Title
MR versus MR arthrography in detection of supraspinatus tendon tears in patients without previous shoulder surgery
Author
Thomas Magee
Publication date
01-01-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Skeletal Radiology / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-013-1745-x

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