Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound vs. MRI in evaluation of rotator cuff injuries

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff pathology accounts for 10% causes of shoulder pain. A gamut of imaging techniques comprising of ultrasonography (USG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography (MRA) have been commonly used for the characterisation of rotator cuff (RC) disorders. With the advent of high-end USG machines, accuracy rates of USG is comparable to that of MRI in evaluation of rotator cuff pathologies. Materials and Methods: 50patients who had presented with symptoms of rotator cuff injuries and were referred to Department of Radiodiagnosis JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru during the period August 2017 to September 2019 for Ultrasound and MRI of the shoulder. Results: Diagnostic accuracy of USG in correlation to MRI showed 93% sensitivity and 97% specificity for supraspinatus, 88% sensitivity and 96% specificity for detecting the infraspinatus tears; 74% sensitivity and 86%specificity for subscapularis indicating detection of supraspinatus was comparatively easier than subscapularis in ultrasound. Conclusion: MRI was more superior and sensitive tool than ultrasound in detecting and delineating the musculoskeletal injury in terms of grading the partial tear & tendinopathy, however accuracy of ultrasound in initial evaluation of rotator cuff injuries is comparable to MRI. Anatomical delineation of the rotator cuff injury which is of prime value for treating surgeon is better visualized by MRI.