Acute traumatic tears of the rotator cuff: value of sonography

• Published in: Radiology Vol. 197; no. 1; p. 269
• Main Authors: Farin, P U, Jaroma, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.1995
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Rotator Cuff - diagnostic imaging; Rotator Cuff - surgery; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0033-8419
• DOI: 10.1148/radiology.197.1.7568835

To determine the value of sonography in the evaluation of acute traumatic tears of the rotator cuff. Preoperative sonography was performed within 3 weeks of trauma in 184 patients, 98 of whom underwent surgery. The rotator cuff tears were preoperatively classified as partial-thickness tears or as small, large, or massive full-thickness tears. Sonographic findings were correlated with surgical findings (n = 70) and arthroscopic inspection (n = 28). Adequate examination was possible in 163 (88%) of 184 patients. Sonography demonstrated 42 (91%) of 46 full-thickness tears and seven (78%) of nine partial-thickness tears. Sonography showed more extensive tears than were found at surgery in four (4%) of 98 patients and less extensive tears in seven (7%) of 98 patients. Sonographic patterns were a defect (31 [63%] of 49 tears), focal thinning (10 [21%] of 49 tears), and nonvisualization (eight [16%] of 49 tears). Sonography is useful in the evaluation of acute shoulder trauma when a rotator cuff tear is suspected and findings at plain radiography are negative.