title: Magnetic resonance imaging criteria for the assessment of the rotator cuff after repair: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this systematic review was to detect the reliability of the currently available magnetic resonance imaging measurements used in the evaluation of repaired rotator cuff.
  
  
  METHODS
  Search was performed using major electronic databases from their inception to February 2014. All studies reporting post-operative magnetic resonance assessment after rotator cuff repair were included. After the identification of available magnetic resonance criteria, reliability studies were further analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies checklist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and twenty studies were included in the review. Twenty-six different criteria were identified. Ten studies reported inter-observer reliability, and only two assessed intra-observer reliability of some of the identified criteria. Structural integrity was the most investigated criterion. The dichotomized Sugaya's classification showed the highest reliability (k = 0.80-0.91). All other criteria showed moderate to low inter-observer reliability. Tendon signal intensity and footprint coverage showed a complete discordance. Intra-observer reliability was high for the presence of structural integrity, and moderate to low for all other criteria. Methodological quality was high only for one study and moderate for three studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Twenty-six different criteria described by multiple classification systems have been identified for the magnetic resonance assessment of rotator cuff after repair. Reliability of most of them has not been analysed yet. With the data available, only the presence of structural integrity showed good intra- and inter-observer agreement.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review of descriptive and qualitative studies, Level IV.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Catholic University, "A. Gemelli" University Hospital, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, RM, Italy.
authors.forename: Maristella F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Saccomanno
authors.forename: Gianpiero
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cazzato
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fodale
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sircana
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Milano
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D001845:Bone Cysts / Q000473:pathology; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D004487:Edema / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000473:pathology; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D011184:Postoperative Period; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries