Diagnostic sensitivity of ultrasound of the supraspinatus tendon when compared to magnetic resonance imaging prior to arthroscopy: A retrospective study

Introduction Ultrasound (USS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used as screening tools for rotator cuff tears with MRI reported superior. When comparing USS supraspinatus tears, less data is available. Aim Compare the diagnostic sensitivity of in pre-operative diagnosis partial thickness (PTT) full (FTT) tendons compared to gold-standard shoulder arthroscopy assess if differences detection rates exist. Method Retrospective study deidentified electronic medical records including post-operative surgical notes results. Results N = 103 participants, male: female ratio 63:40, mean age 64 years. FTT were diagnosed by 63/103 (61.2%), PTT <5 mm 18/103 (17.5%), >5 22/103 (21.4%). both 95.2% FTT. 83.3% 77.7%, 73.3% 86.4% respectively. Overall was 88.4% 90.3%. Discussion Comparable demonstrated MRI. had better than mm, performed mm. Pre-operative evaluation suspected could include a first line modality, due its low cost easier availability. Conclusion has high accuracy diagnosing PTT. may be where significant glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis needs assessed. Further studies larger numbers are needed verify these