Tomas Balčiūnas1, Ugnė Janonytė1, Kristina Valatkevičienė2
1Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania.
2Department of Radiology, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Abstract
Background. Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are common injuries, constituting 60% of shoulder problems, often stemming from repetitive use or traumatic incidents, their prevalence increasing with age. The rotator cuff comprises four muscles, along with their tendinous extensions, crucial for shoulder joint stability and movement. RCTs can be diagnosed with ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and each of the methods presents with its’ benefits and drawbacks.
Aim. This review aims to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of US and MRI in detecting RCTs.
Methods. The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were used for the narrative literature review, with keywords: “rotator cuff tears”, “magnetic resonance imaging”, “ultrasound”, “diagnostic imaging” in the search fields. 42 articles were selected for further analysis.
Results. Several studies found no significant difference in sensitivity or specificity between MRI and US for diagnosing RCTs. However, US tends to underestimate tear size and retraction, while MRI offers superior reliability for surgical planning, especially in larger tears. Thus, US could be considered the primary diagnostic method for RCTs due to its dynamic nature and cost-effectiveness, with MRI serving to confirm diagnoses in uncertain cases or for detailed anatomical evaluation.
Conclusions. In terms of accuracy, cost, and safety, US emerges as the primary choice, when assessing RCTs. However, it should be noted that US may demand a more specialized expertise. MRI could be used to confirm diagnoses in uncertain cases or for anatomical evaluation prior to surgery.
Keywords: rotator cuff tears, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, diagnostic imaging.