[Ultrasonographic evaluation of the rotator cuff after its surgical reconstruction]

The aim of this paper was to evaluate ultrasonographic picture of rotator cuff integrity after surgical reconstruction performed in 34 patients with mean follow-up 17.2 months (range 6-45 months). The lack of rotator cuff echo or hypoechogenic area were the criteria for diagnosis of re-tear. This occurred in 16% of shoulders with isolated supraspinatus tear and in 33.3% of shoulder with 2 tendons involved. Hyperechogenic changes were noted in 35.3% of shoulders, some thinning of the rotator cuff in 23.5%, while both of these changes in 14.7%. The thinning of the rotator cuff was classified as pathologic if there was difference between diameter of rotator cuff measured in 6th to 8th postoperative week and diameter measured at the time of follow-up. Ultrasonographic examination offers critical evaluation of both surgical result and postoperative physical therapy protocol.