[Sonographic evaluation of the rotator cuff following reconstruction of complete ruptures]

This is a report on the results of a clinical and sonographical re-examination of 66 shoulder joints after reconstruction of complete rotator cuff tears. One-third of the patients were asymptomatic, in more than half of them pre-operatively existing complaints had improved, and in 15% no improvement was seen. Clinical findings were without abnormalities in half of the patients. In as many patients indications were found of a still existing rotator cuff syndrome. Sonographically, in 49 out of 66 cases the continuity of the rotator cuff was maintained. In 17 cases indications of tears were found. Remarkable features were, in rotator cuffs with maintained tendon continuity, in 50% of the shoulder joints a thinning out of the tendon and/or echogenic patterns. Tears in the non-operated opposite side were found in 7 cases and thinning out and/or enhanced echogenicity in 12 cases.