[Concordance between ultrasound-arthroscopy of the shoulder in rotator cuff injury]

Rotator cuff injury occurs over tendons that insert into the humeral tuberosity. Ultrasonography detects the size and extent of tendon tears. Its sensitivity and specificity range from 91-100% and 85-86%, respectively. It has been shown that a trained orthopedic surgeon can perform shoulder ultrasonography for the accurate diagnosis of rotator cuff pathology.

To determine the concordance between ultrasound-arthroscopy of the shoulder in rotator cuff injuries at the Unidad Médica Atención Ambulatoria No. 55 (Ambulatory Care Unit No. 55) in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Experimental study of a sample of 37 patients with a diagnosis of rotator cuff injury, in whom preoperative ultrasound and later shoulder arthroscopy of the same side were performed. The data were subjected to concordance with Cohen's Kappa Index.

There were 37 patients in whom we identified an overall concordance of 81%. Cohen's Kappa index was 0.76, considered a good concordance. Out of the 7 patients without correlation, in 1 patient the ultrasound showed partial rupture and by arthroscopy showed complete rupture of the supraspinatus. In 2 patients ultrasonography showed complete rotator cuff tear; during arthroscopy, both showed massive rotator cuff tear.

Preoperative shoulder ultrasonography performed by traumatology presents a good concordance in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears confirmed by arthroscopy.