Imaging of the Rotator Cuff

Abstract

The imaging evaluation of the rotator cuff augments the clinical evaluation. Radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging all have various roles in the assessment of the rotator cuff, which can be combined with arthrography for added detail. Furthermore, ultrasound is a very useful technique that provides functional information that is not offered by simple anatomic imaging.

Assessment and characterization of in situ rotator cuff biomechanics

“…There are several imaging modalities aimed at improving the staging of rotator cuff disease these include x-ray, MRI, and ultrasound however, each modality has drawbacks in the detection of rotator cuff tears. Plane-film radiographs are an important component of evaluating a patient with shoulder pain and frequently reveal bone abnormalities such as subacromial spurs which provides information in regards to the condition of the rotator cuff ( Figure 5) [11]. However, radiographs are rarely helpful in making the diagnosis of a partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.…”

“…Often a combination of T1-weighted and T2weighted images are used in the analysis of the rotator cuff and are performed using the transverse, coronal oblique, and sagittal oblique imaging planes [11]. MR arthrography can demonstrate an even higher degree of accuracy in the assessment of the rotator cuff injuries and is helpful in the detection of partial-thickness tears, which become more conspicuous following intra-articular contrast injection [7,9,11]. As opposed to plane-film x-ray and MRI, ultrasonography is a dynamic, reliable, noninvasive, widely available, and inexpensive technique.…”

Asymptomatic Elite Adolescent Tennis Players' Signs of Tendinosis in Their Dominant Shoulder Compared With Their Nondominant Shoulder

“…18 Although this adaptation might be physiologic, repeated throwing has been shown to lead to articular-sided tears of the rotator cuff. 5,17 In an arthroscopic study of 41 symptomatic professional athletes, 93% had undersurface fraying of the rotator cuff tendons, thus supporting the theory of internal impingement as a factor in injury. 19 Similar findings were reported by Walch et al 16 in their study of 17 overhead athletes; 76% had evidence of undersurface rotator cuff tears.…”

“…In this position, the posterior fibers of the supraspinatus and anterior fibers of the IS come in contact between the humerus and the posterior superior labrum. 5,17 As these areas make contact, fraying of the undersurface of the supraspinatus and IS tendons can occur and cause injury. 18 Although this adaptation might be physiologic, repeated throwing has been shown to lead to articular-sided tears of the rotator cuff.…”

“…6,7,9,21,22 The aim of MRI is to identify injury; therefore, it is essential to investigate the spectrum of normal anatomic structures to accurately detect and characterize pathologic changes. 6,7,9,17,21À23 Knowledge of overhead-throwing biomechanics is crucial to understanding specific injuries encountered on diagnostic imaging in throwing athletes. 24 Miniaci et al 7 used MRI to evaluate the supraspinatus and IS in both shoulders of asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers and showed no differences between the dominant arm (DA) and nondominant arm (NDA).…”