Postoperative Imaging of Rotator Cuff Tear

ABSTRACT

Postoperative imaging of the rotator cuff may be performed routinely, even if pain or disability develops after surgery or if there are no symptoms. Postoperative images are obtained through MRI or US, and the purpose is to confirm the integrity of the restored tendon in general. Postoperative MRI has a relatively poor diagnostic accuracy compared to that of preoperative images because various materials used in surgeries deteriorate the image quality. US can dynamically check the condition of the restored tendon and avoid artifacts from the surgical instruments used for recovery. Although imaging findings are not always consistent with the clinical symptoms or prognosis, sub-deltoid fluid retention is more important for pain and functional recovery than the thickness of the reconstructed tendon. Strain elastography can also be a useful method for predicting the prognosis.