Evaluation of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathies and Tears with High‑resolution Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlation

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of high‑resolution ultrasonography (USG) in the evaluation of rotator cuff<br /> tendinopathies and tears with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlation to determine its sensitivity and specificity. Materials and Methods:<br /> The prospective study was conducted on 40 patients referred to the Department of Radiology for the evaluation of rotator cuff pathologies over<br /> a period of 18 months. All the patients underwent high‑frequency USG followed by MRI. Variables such as sensitivity, specificity, negative<br /> predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy of high‑frequency USG and MRI were evaluated. Results: The sensitivity,<br /> specificity, NPV, PPV, and accuracy of high‑frequency USG in the evaluation of rotator cuff pathologies in comparison to MRI as standard<br /> were 90.6%, 87.5%, 96.6%, 70%, and 90%, respectively. Conclusion: High‑frequency USG is almost equally sensitive and specific as MRI<br /> for the diagnosis of rotator cuff pathologies, and due to its cost‑effectiveness, easy affordability, ease of evaluating contralateral shoulder,<br /> more patient compliance, noninvasiveness, and wider applications, we recommend it to be used as a primary modality for evaluating rotator<br /> cuff. MRI should be performed in case some extra information is required.