Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound and MRI in Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Injuries in a Tertiary Care Setting

The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating rotator cuff injuries, while also examining the reliability of ultrasonography as a primary imaging technique.

A prospective observational study of 84 individuals focused on those with shoulder pain indicating rotator cuff disease. After an ultrasound, all patients had an MRI. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated for tendon and bursal structures.

The findings indicate that ultrasound exhibited the highest sensitivity for identifying supraspinatus tears at 83.85%. Additionally, it showed a notable specificity in assessing subscapularis (94.74%), biceps tendon (96.65%), and bursitis-related conditions. A statistically significant correlation was observed in the evaluation of the subscapularis using MRI, with a P value of 0.048.

The high specificity and accessibility of this imaging tool underscore its importance as a primary option, while MRI continues to play a crucial role in addressing complex or posterior shoulder pathologies.