Effect of field of view on MR diagnosis of rotator cuff tears

Abstract

Reducing the FOV from 24 cm to 18 cm results in a statistically significant improvement in specificity of MR for diagnosing rotator cuff tears.

The effectiveness of diagnostic tests for the assessment of shoulder pain due to soft tissue disorders: a systematic review

“…64,86,88,90,92,94,98 Eighteen studies reported that those reading the MRI scans were experienced in the technique: seven reported used musculoskeletal radiologists; 64,82,85,87,94,96,97 five reported length of experience of the readers, ranging from 2 up to 10 years; 37,63,89,92,98 and six gave no further details. 16,17,66,84,88,99 The studies generally did not discuss the possibility of indeterminate results or how such results had been dealt with. Two reported that radiologists made a 'forced choice' of positive or negative.…”

Returning to the Bedside: Using the History and Physical Examination To Identify Rotator Cuff Tears

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), used increasingly as the noninvasive diagnostic modality of choice, is both expensive and often requires prolonged abduction of the shoulder, which can be painful for patients with a full or partial RCT. MRI has reported sensitivity ranging from 71 to 89% and specificity of 71 to 97% in the diagnosis of RCT 6,12–21 . The use of these diagnostic modalities is guided by the result of a careful history and physical examination, leading to a reasonably strong clinical suspicion for rotator cuff tear.…”