title: [The biceps-/rotator cuff-index in ultrasound diagnosis of chronic rupture of the rotator cuff].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Diagnosis of old lesions of the rotator cuff is clinically and sonographically challenging. To improve the sonographic diagnosis of old rotator cuff tears the index was developed.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study 100 patients were examined by ultrasound to evaluate standard measures of rotator cuff diameters in relation to the long biceps tendon. The compensating hypertrophy of the biceps tendon was sonographically quantified in relation to the rotator cuff diameter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pathological study group included 50 patients with an old lesion of rotator cuff (> 3 months). The control group consisted of 50 patients without any lesions. Comparison of both groups revealed a significantly higher biceps/rotator cuff ratio (p < 0.05). Data higher than 0.8 represent a pathological ratio (Index positive), the standard is 0.5. The index is independent of sex and age. There are no significant index changes measurable in acute tears of the rotator cuff.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The index helps to improve sensitivity in diagnosis of old rotator cuff tears by ultrasound.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie der Universität Bonn.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wallny
authors.forename: U A
authors.initials: UA
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Schmitt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography