Role of USG and MRI to detect the rotator cuff injury and to compare the efficacy of both

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to detect the rotator cuff injury using high-resolution ultrasonography in clinically suspected patients, compute MRI findings and compare the effectiveness of ultrasound and MRI diagnostically in such patients. 30 patients who were suspected to be suffering from rotator cuff injury were referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi, Kerala. MRI and high-resolution ultrasonography were used to evaluate them after taking their written consent. The present study was carried out from November 2018 to October 2019. In partial thickness tears, the specificity of ultrasound was 87.5% and sensitivity was 72% whereas it was 83.3 % and 95.8% respectively for full-thickness tears. MRI was more sensitive than USG in evaluating the capsular and labral pathologies. MRI was the most sensitive and specific modality in the evaluation of shoulder pain. A specificity of 94% and a sensitivity of 92.3% was seen in relation to MRI in case of partial thickness tears; whereas in full thickness tears a specificity of 95.8% and a sensitivity of 100.0% were seen. In calcific tendinitis, picking bursal fluid and impingement, MRI was better than USG and also highly sensitive for labral tears. In the evaluation of shoulder pain, MRI is the most appropriate evaluation modality and in case of labral tears it is highly sensitive. When compared to USG, MRI is better in picking bursal fluid, impingement as well as calcific tendinitis and also in evaluating labral and capsular pathologies.