Background: Accuracy of ultrasound imaging of the rotator cuff in shoulders has been reported as being the same as MRI. The purpose of this study was to compare the integrity of the rotator cuff between the postoperative MRI and ultrasonography (US) for a rotator cuff repair.
Methods: 28 cases of partial to massive rotator cuff tears were treated by arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The mean age of all cases was 64 years old. Postoperative MRI and US were performed at 3 months and one year after surgery. The rotator cuff integrity was evaluated by means of Sugaya's classification. The irregularity of the surface, effusion of the subacromial bursa, and prominence of the knot were also evaluated.
Results: The post operative findings of MRI were classified as Type I: 7, Type II: 11, Type III: 4, Type IV: 5, Type V: 1 cases at 3 months and Type I: 17, Type II: 5, Type III: 1, Type IV: 2, Type V: 3 cases at one year postoperatively. The findings of US were classified as Type I: 1, Type II: 22, Type III: 3, Type IV: 2, Type V: 0 cases at 3 months and Type I: 9, Type II: 12, Type III: 3, Type IV: 1, Type V: 3 cases at one year postoperatively. Irregularity, effusion of the bursa and prominence of the knot were found in 22, 24, and 22 cases within 3 months and 5, 13, and 4 cases at one year respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study shows that the cuff integrity was improved with time detected by both MRI and US. However, it had not become normal according to ultrasonographic examination.
