Accuracy of Shoulder Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Pathologies

Abstract

To assess accuracy of shoulder ultrasound (USG) for diagnosis of rotator cuff pathologies. Seventy- four adult patients in age range of 30-80 years with rotator cuff pathologies of either gender were subjected to USG taken with Philips IU22 and a 5-12 MHz linear array transducer. All tendons were examined and grayscale 2D USG images were stored. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) was measured. USG findings showed intact supraspinatus tendons in 36 and 32, full tear in 8 and 10, partial tear in 2 and 7 and tendinosis in 28 and 25 cases respectively. Statistical analysis showed non- significant difference (P>0.05). USG findings showed intact infraraspinatus tendons in 45 and 41, full tear in 0 and 7, partial tear in 3 and 10 and tendinosis in 26 and 16 cases respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant difference (P<0.05). USG findings showed intact biceps tendons in 50 and 48, full tear in 2 and 3, partial tear in 4 and 4 and tendinosis in 18 and 19 cases respectively. Statistical analysis showed non- significant difference (P>0.05). A high accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was observed with USG in diagnosis of supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus tendon, biceps tendons, subcapularis tendons. USG found to be effective in assessment of rotator cuff pathologies having high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values.