2003 Volume 27 Issue 3 Pages 447-450
The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of MR arthro- and bursography for incomplete rotator cuff tears.
Seven shoulders in seven cases of surgically proved incomplete rotator cuff tears from 1999 to 2002 were studied. There were six males and one female with an average age of fifty-three point nine years old. There were four right shoulders and three left. After an injection of amidotrizoate sodium meglumine into the glenohumeral joint and subacromial bursa, MR images were obtained preoperatively.
A comparative study between the findings of preoperative MR arthro- and bursography and the surgical findings was performed.
All shoulders were distinguished from complete rotator cuff tears. Three shoulders were bursal side tears, two shoulders were intratendinous tears and two shoulders were articular side tears. MR arthro- and bursography revealed adequate diagnosis in bursal side tears. However it revealed inadequate diagnosis in intratendinous tears and articular side tears.
MR arthro- and bursography was a reliable method for incomplete rotator cuff tears. However it was not helpful to diagnose intratendinous tears and articular side tears.
