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[Hyperechoic rotator cuff tendon tear].
M Fermand1, C Sihassen, D Mauget
1Service de Radiologie B, CHU Cochin, 27 rue du Fg St-Jacques, 27 rue du faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris.
Journal De Radiologie
|March 31, 2005
Summary
Unusual rotator cuff tears can appear hyperechoic on ultrasound. Bursal distension during repeat ultrasound may improve diagnosis of these rotator cuff tears.
Area of Science:
- Musculoskeletal imaging
- Orthopedic diagnostics
- Ultrasound technology
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears are common injuries.
- Accurate diagnosis of rotator cuff tears is crucial for effective treatment.
- Hyperechoic findings on ultrasound can sometimes be ambiguous.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize unusual hyperechoic rotator cuff tendon tears identified via ultrasonography (US).
- To investigate the diagnostic utility of repeat US after bursal distension for these specific tear types.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of shoulder US examinations in 100 patients with confirmed rotator cuff tears (CT arthrogram with bursography).
- Inclusion criteria: hyperechoic foci without surrounding hypoechoic zones.
- Second US examination performed after bursal distension.
Main Results:
- Six cases (6%) exhibited hyperechoic foci.
- Initial US diagnoses included tendinosis (5 cases) and full-thickness tear (1 case).
- Repeat US after bursal distension showed the hyperechoic areas became partially or completely hypoechoic, suggesting fluid filling.
Conclusions:
- Certain rotator cuff tears, potentially filled with fibrinoid fragments, may be underdiagnosed by standard US.
- Bursal distension can aid in differentiating these tears from tendinosis.