title: Ultrasonography of rotator cuff tears.
abstract: This is a prospective study of ultrasonography of the rotator cuff mechanism as an alternative to arthrography for screening rotator cuff tears. Seventy-two patients (40 men and 32 women) with possible rotator cuff tears were referred for shoulder arthrography. Before arthrography, bilateral shoulder sonography was performed by a technician under the direction of a radiologist. Arthrograms and sonograms were read separately, and a decision as to the absence or presence of a rotator cuff tear was made without knowledge of the results of the other examination. The results showed 90% sensitivity and 91% specificity, with a positive accuracy of 87%, and a negative accuracy of 93%. Ultrasonography of the rotator cuff is a noninvasive, painless, and cost-effective screening method for patients with a suspected rotator cuff tear.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Olive
authors.forename: H O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Marsh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography