Ultrasound vs. MRI in the assessment of rotator cuff structure prior to shoulder arthroplasty

Background/AimsWe compared the accuracy of US to 3 T Tesla MRI for the detection of rotator cuff and long biceps tendon pathologies before joint replacement.Methods45 patients were prospectively included.ResultsFor the supraspinatus tendon, the accuracy of US when using MRI as reference was 91.1%. For the infraspinatus tendon, the accuracy with MRI as reference was 84.4%. The subscapularis tendon was consistently assessed by US and MRI in 35/45 patients (accuracy 77.8%). For the long biceps tendon the accuracy was 86.7%.ConclusionUS detection of rotator cuff and biceps tendon integrity is comparable to MRI and should be preferred in revision cases.