title: High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of rotator cuff tears using a microscopy coil: noninvasive detection without intraarticular contrast material.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a microscopy coil for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears by comparing the method to conventional MRI and MRI arthrography.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 68 shoulders were prospectively studied using a 1.5-T MRI unit. Conventional MRI scans were obtained with a surface coil and high-resolution MRI scans with a microscopy coil. MRI arthrography was performed in 28 shoulders using a surface coil. MRI evaluation of tears of rotator cuff tendons was compared with arthroscopic findings and surgical results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The surgery revealed 40 full-thickness tears, 13 partial-thickness tears, and 15 intact cuffs. In all, 35 (88%) full-thickness tears were correctly diagnosed on conventional MRI and 40 (100%) on high-resolution MRI. MR arthrography delineated 11 of 12 (92%) full-thickness tears. Altogether, 5 (38%) of the partial-thickness tears were detected on conventional MRI, and 12 (92%) were clearly demonstrated on high-resolution MRI. MRI arthrography depicted three (60%) of five partial-thickness tears. High-resolution MRI showed higher sensitivity than conventional MRI (P < 0.05) and had values equivalent to those of MRI arthrography for diagnosing partial-thickness tears.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High-resolution MRI with a microscopy coil is a feasible, noninvasive technique for diagnosing rotator cuff tears.
authors: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 981-8574, Japan. hitachi@rad.med.tohoku.ac.jp
authors: Shin
authors: S
authors: Hitachi
authors: Kei
authors: K
authors: Takase
authors: Minoru
authors: M
authors: Tanaka
authors: Yuichi
authors: Y
authors: Tojo
authors: Shiro
authors: S
authors: Tabata
authors: Kazuhiro
authors: K
authors: Majima
authors: Shuichi
authors: S
authors: Higano
authors: Shoki
authors: S
authors: Takahashi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity