Rotator cuff diseases: a comparative study of X-arthrography, conventional MRI, and MRI arthrography / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the diagnostic value of conventional MRI, X ray arthrography, and MRI arthrography in revealing rotator cuff injuries. Methods Thirty two patients with suspected rotator cuff tears were prospectively examined by conventional MRI, X ray arthrography, and MRI arthrography before the examination of shoulder arthroscope. Based on the results of the arthroscopy, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of those three different methods were determined for rotator cuff tears. Results The arthroscopic findings included 14 full thickness tears, 6 partial thickness tears, and 12 without tears. For the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears,the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy were 80%(16/20), 83%(10/12), and 81%(26/32) for conventional MRI,respectively; the figures were 80%(16/20),100%(12/12), and 86%(28/32)for X ray arthrography,respectively; while the data were 100%(20/20),100%(12/12), 100%(32/32) for MRI arthrography,respectively. For the diagnosis of complete tears, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 79%(11/14), 83%(15/18), and 81%(26/32) for conventional MRI, respectively; the figures were 93%(13/14),94%(17/18), and 94%(30/32) for X ray arthrography, respectively; while the parameters were 100%(14/14),94%(17/18), 97%(31/32) for MRI arthrography, respectively. Conclusion MRI arthrography is one of the best methods for the diagnoses of rotator cuff tears.