Accuracy of Rotator Cuff Tears and Tendinosis Diagnoses on Shoulder Ultrasound Performed by a Short-experienced Operator

Abstract

Objective The objective of the study was to assess the accuracy of ultrasound examination for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear and tendinosis performed by a short experienced operator, compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results. Method A total of 70 subjects suspected to have rotator cuff tear or tendinosis and planned for shoulder MRI were included in the study. Shoulder ultrasound was performed either before or after the MRI scan on the same day. Ultrasound operator had a short experience in performing an ultrasound of the shoulder. Ultrasound findings were correlated to MRI findings. Results Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for the diagnosis of tendinosis were 58%, 84%, 63%, 80%, and 75%, respectively, and it was 68%, 91%, 73%, 88%, and 85%, respectively, for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear. Conclusions Sensitivity for diagnosing rotator cuff tear or tendinosis was moderate but had a higher negative predictive value. Thus, the ultrasound operator with a short experience in performing shoulder ultrasound had moderate sensitivity in diagnosing tendinosis or tears; however, could exclude them with confidence.