• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.78-85
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• 2008

Purpose: The findings of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US) examination in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear were then compared with the findings of arthroscopic examination, and to evaluate the postoperative integrity of rotator cuff using serial US examination. Methods: Between February and May 2008, 29 patients with rotator cuff tear had undergone preoperative US and MRI examination and subsequent arthroscopic examination. And the results of MRI and US were compared with intra-operative results of the arthroscopic examination. We observed the postoperative integrity of rotator cuff using serial (postoperative 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months) US examination. Results: The sensitivity of US and MRI for identifying rotator cuff tear were 100% and 100%. The sensitivity of US and MRI were 95% and 82% in full thickness tear, and 50%, 33% in partial thickness tear, respectively. Overall accuracy of US and MRI were 86%, 69%. Among 22 patients were operated for full thickness tear, intra-operative gap formation was identified in 11 patients (50%, small to medium 2 cases, large to massive 9 cases) which were identified at 2 weeks postoperative US. We could find 5 re-tears (23%, small to medium 1 case, large to massive 4 cases) on 6 weeks postoperative US after passive range of motion (ROM) exercise, and could also find 7 re-tears (32%, small to medium 2 cases, large to massive 5 cases)on 3 months postoperative US after active ROM exercise. Conclusion: Serial US after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was useful to differentiate intra-operative gap formation from postoperative re-tear. We found 5 retears (23%) at 6 weeks and 7 retears (32%) at 3 months postoperative US, it was useful to make treatment plan during postoperative rehabilitation.