Digital subtraction shoulder arthrography in determining site and size of rotator cuff tear.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of digital subtraction arthrographic techniques in assessing the precise size and site of rotator cuff tear.


METHODS
Prospectively interpreted findings of 29 digital arthrographs were compared with results after surgery in 22 patients and with results after arthroscopy in 7 patients.


RESULTS
Surgery or arthroscopy revealed 14 full-thickness and 2 partial-thickness tears. Digital subtraction arthrography showed 88% (14 of 16) of the rotator cuff tears, 86% (12 of 14) of the full-thickness tears, and 100% (2 of 2) of the partial-thickness tears. The site of a tear could be shown in 86% (12 of 14), but the size was evaluated to be less extensive than that seen at surgery in most tears (63%, 10 of 16).


CONCLUSIONS
The site of tears could be demonstrated in supraspinatus tendon tears, but measurements of the size of the tears were accurate only in small full-thickness and in partial-thickness tears. Very anterior and posterior tears may not be diagnosed with this method, and postexercise films were necessary to avoid false-negative findings.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland.
P U
PU
Farin
H
H
Jaroma
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001175:Arthrography; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002061:Bursa, Synovial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D003949:Diagnostic Techniques, Surgical; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007472:Iohexol; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013382:Subtraction Technique
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol