[Three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation of the rotator cuff. Preliminary results of clinical application]

Abstract

Aim: Accurate sonographic diagnosis of rotator cuff lesions mainly depends on image quality and on the experience of the examiner. The present study was performed to determine whether the use of three dimensional (3D) sonography further increases the diagnostic yield of ultrasound examinations.

Method: In a prospective study 25 patients who later underwent shoulder surgery of the rotator cuff were examined pre-operatively by ultrasound with two and three dimensional ultrasound.

Results: With three dimensional ultrasound rotator cuff lesions were more often correctly diagnosed (sensitivity of 100%) than with conventional 2D sonography (sensitivity of 91.7%). Specificity with both methods was 84.6% predictive value 92% and 88% respectively. In partial thickness tears, false-negative results were twice as common with 2D imaging.

Conclusion: Although our results are preliminary and have to be verified in a larger study, three dimensional ultrasound appears to facilitate diagnosing of rotator cuff lesions and partial thickness tears, in particular.