Visualization of rotator cuff tear morphology by radial magnetic resonance imaging

The objective of this study was to investigate whether rotator cuff tear morphology could be visualized using radial MRI. We retrospectively investigated 52 shoulders that underwent preoperative MRI and arthroscopy for a complete rotator cuff tear. The tear length and width were measured using oblique coronal, axial, and radial MRI. Arthroscopic findings were compared with the tear morphology. Tear morphology was visualized using oblique coronal and axial MRI for 24 of the 52 shoulders (46%), and radial MRI for all 52 shoulders. Radial MRI data for 49 of 52 shoulders (94%) were concordant with the arthroscopic findings.