Magnetic resonance visualization of surgical classification of rotator cuff tear: comparison with three-dimensional shoulder magnetic resonance arthrography at 3.0 T

Clin Imaging. 2014 Nov-Dec;38(6):858-63. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.07.003. Epub 2014 Jul 12.

Abstract

The purpose was to evaluate the diagnostic feasibility of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) for surgical classification of rotator cuff tear (RCT). Two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) MRAs of 45 patients who underwent and subsequent arthroscopy were evaluated. Full-thickness tears of supraspinatus-infraspinatus tendon were classified based on surgical categories: crescentic, U-shaped, and L-shaped. Signal-to-noise ratios showed no significant difference (P>.05); however contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher on 2D MRA (P=.02). Diagnoses of RCTs using 3D MRA were similar to diagnoses using 2D MRA, but had a shorter imaging time. MR visualization for surgical classification was feasible. However, diagnosis of L-shaped tears was limited.

Keywords: Arthroscopy; MR; MR arthrography; Rotator cuff tear.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthrography / methods*
  • Contrast Media
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Joint Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA