Reliability of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging to measure supraspinatus tendon thickness in healthy subjects

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) as a tool to measure supraspinatus tendon thickness in healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy subjects were assessed in similar sitting position. Two experienced musculoskeletal ultrasound specialists measured supraspinatus tendon thickness. Tendon was measured twice in one day by each of two raters with an interval of one hour for within day reliability and was re-measured following one week for between days reliability. Data analysis was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). [Results] Results reflected excellent within day intra-rater and inter-rater reliability with Mean ± standard deviation (SD)=5.14 ± 0.83 and 5.17 ± 0.78, ICC (2,1)=0.89–0.93 and ICC (2,2)=0.98 (0.95−0.99) and SEM=0.18–0.18 and 0.17 while between days intra-rater rater and inter-rater reliability with Mean ± SD=5.14 ± 0.83 and 5.17 ± 0.78, ICC(2,1)=0.88–0.90 and ICC(2,2)=0.95 (0.88−0.98), SEM=0.17–0.38 and 0.17 [Conclusion] The results of the current study indicate that MSKUS is a reliable tool for measuring supraspinatus tendon thickness in healthy subjects.

Techniques for In Vivo Measurement of Ligament and Tendon Strain: A Review

“…Despite these advantages, ultrasound methods also suffer from several limitations: Controversial reliability: Establishing good reliability of ultrasound tissue length measurement is fundamental to highly accurate measurements of tissue strain. 114 , 169 However, the reliability of ultrasound measurement of static tissue geometry has been controversially reported, 5 , 14 , 13 , 54 , 78 , 120 , 150 and these measurements are easier to perform than strain measurement during dynamic activities. Furthermore, transducer orientation and position have a significant effect on ultrasound measurements, 93 , 96 and rigid fixation of the ultrasound transducer over the tissue of interest is difficult to achieve throughout dynamic activities.…”

Clinical Value of Multimodal imaging methods in the preoperative diagnosis of rotator cuff tears under arthroscopy

“…Rotator cuff is composed of subscapular tendon, supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus tendon and teres minor tendon, which is an important structure to maintain the stability of shoulder joint. Both degeneration and trauma can cause RCTs, especially the supraspinatus tendon [1][2][3][4][5]. The main clinical manifestations of RCTs are shoulder pain, limited movement and dysfunction, and severely affects the life quality of patients.…”