Conventional MR in rotator cuff pathology. Is it sufficient?

Abstract

BackgroundMagnetic resonance (MR) provides detailed information for the depiction of shoulder lesions. It allows a unique anatomical and tissue characterization providing a detailed evaluation of the rotator cuff (RC) and the surrounding bones. PurposeOur objective is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of MR in depiction of lesions encountered in shoulder impingement and rotator cuff (RC) degenerative lesions compared to shoulder arthroscopy. Patients and methodsThis study included 28 patients with shoulder impingement for which conventional MR was done followed by arthroscopy. The results of MR were compared to the results of surgical repair. ResultsMR was highly accurate in the diagnosis of full-thickness (FT) tears of the RC, showing 100% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 100% specificity. MR was capable of comprehensive evaluation of FT tears. MR had a high accuracy (96%) in the diagnosis of partial-thickness (PT) RC tears. It showed 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value (PPV) with no false positive cases. MR revealed high specificity (100%) in the diagnosis of biceps abnormalities. It identified all the 20 negative cases that were confirmed surgically. ConclusionConventional MR plays an adequate role in evaluation of different lesions encountered in shoulder impingement and RC degenerative disorders.