[Usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears].

UNLABELLED

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of high-resolution ultrasonography compared with arthroscopy examination for the detection and characterization of rotator cuff tears. 31 patients with shoulder pain who had undergone preoperative ultrasonography and subsequent arthroscopy were identified.

RESULTS

Ultrasonography for full-thickness rotator cuff tears has sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NPV of 82%. Ultrasonography for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears has sensitivity of 78.5%, specificity of 82%, PPV of 85%, NPV of 75%.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography was highly accurate for detecting full-thickness rotator cuff tears; it was less sensitive and specific for detecting partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Because of its low cost ultrasonography could be the first diagnostic tool for the rotator cuff tears.