RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCES OF ROTATOR CUFF TEAR BY EMPLOYING MR IMAGING TECHNIQUES TO FIND THE DEGREE OF RCT

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of MRI in the diagnosis of shoulder pain particularly due to the problems of RCT (Rotator Cuff Tear). Because the mode of management can be planned according to the degree of RCT, either partial or full thickness tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the Department of Diagnostic Radiology & Medical Imaging, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore from Mar. 2008 to Jun, 2010. Twenty seven patients were studied who presented with the complaints of pain in either shoulder and clinician had the suspicion of RCT. Mean age group of involvement was seen between 25-65 yrs of age both in males and females. Equipment used was 1.5T MR system. Shoulder pain is a common complaint of pain by patients who visit the clinicians, third in frequency after headache and backache according to statistics of USA. Major cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff tear or entrapment of supraspinatous tendon in sub-acromial arch. Predilection is seen in patients who are above 40yrs of age and in younger age group around 25yrs who are involved with sports activities like weight lifting, pitchers and throwing. Causes can be mechanical and biological. RESULTS: The imaging characteristics are more varied. In this presentation the involvement of partial and full thickness tears is evaluated. T1W, T2W and FSE imaging has reported a sensitivity of 84-99% and specificity of 78-98%. Angling the oblique coronal and sagittal images can improve the accuracy of MRI. CONCLUSION: With the development of new arthroscopic techniques for treating RCT’s. MRI has played an increasingly important role as a non invasive adjunct without employment of any ionizing radiation for evaluating the extent of RCT. Key Words : RCT (Rotator Cuff Tear), Rotator Cuff Impingement.