Open AccessSonography and magnetic resonance imaging equivalent for the assessment of full‐thickness rotator cuff tears
Author(s) -
Swen Wijnand A. A.,
Jacobs Johannes W. G.,
Algra Paul R.,
Manoliu Radu A.,
Rijkmans Jan,
Willems Willem J.,
Bijlsma Johannes W. J.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/1529-0131(199910)42:10<2231::aid-anr27>3.0.co;2-z
Subject(s) - medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , rotator cuff , gold standard (test) , tears , arthroscopy , rheumatology , randomized controlled trial , radiology , nuclear medicine , predictive value , ultrasound , surgery
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of sonography (SG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of full‐thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Methods Twenty‐one consecutive, otherwise healthy patients with noninflammatory unilateral chronic (>3 months) shoulder complaints due to a possible full‐thickness RCT were studied (9 women and 12 men, mean ± SD age 56 ± 12). According to standardized procedures, SG was performed by both a radiologist and a rheumatologist, and MRI was evaluated by 2 radiologists. All assessors were blinded to the patient's diagnosis. Within 3 weeks after SG and MRI, arthroscopy was performed. SG, MRI, and arthroscopy results were scored as negative or positive for the presence of a full‐thickness RCT. The result of surgical inspection was used as the “gold standard.” Results For full‐thickness RCTs, the sensitivity was 0.81 for SG and 0.81 for MRI. The specificity was 0.94 for SG and 0.88 for MRI. The positive predictive value was 0.96 for SG and 0.91 for MRI. The negative predictive value was 0.77 for SG and 0.74 for MRI. Accuracy was 0.86 for SG and 0.83 for MRI. Conclusion Full‐thickness RCTs can be identified accurately by both SG and MRI. Because of its low cost and because it can be performed in the rheumatology unit, SG seems to be a promising diagnostic tool for use by the rheumatologist.