Summary

Acromial Morphology Does Not Affect Imaging Results Using Ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Currently there are no studies that correlate ultrasound (ECO) and magnetic resonance imaging (RM) in rotator cuff (MR) ruptures, observing acromial index (IA) and critic shoulder angle (AC). We hypothesize that greater footprint bony coverage can limit ECO diagnostic performance. Objective: Evaluate correlation between ECO and RM for MR ruptures confirmed after arthroscopy, in cases with IA and AC greater than the normal values (0.7 and 35º respectively). The secondary objective is to observe if this correlation is comparable between partial and complete ruptures. Methods: Retrospective study of a consecutive case series of 100 patients with MR ruptures confirmed during arthroscopy. Results: IA average 0.77 ± 0.08; AC 37.42 ± 5.88. ECO and RM correlation with IA: >0.7 of 56.7% (K=0.27;p=0.01); <0.7 of 35.7% (K=0.01;p=0.46). ECO and RM correlation with AC: >35º of 61.5% (K=0.32;p=0.001); <35º of 33.3% (K=-0.00;p=0.52). Conclusion: Diagnostic ECO concordance with RM in patients with MR rupture with greater IA and AC, concordance was fair. ECO and RM concordance for patients with lesser IA and AC was poor. Diagnostic performance amongst ECO and RM was similar for partial and complete MR ruptures.