THE ROLE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ROTATOR CUFF TEARS
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Rotator cuff tears (RCT) are a common cause of shoulder pain, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Accurate diagnosis of RCT is crucial for treatment decisions, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used due to its ability to provide detailed images of muscle and tendon injuries. Objective: Evaluate the role of MRI in diagnosing rotator cuff tears, especially in comparison with arthroscopy - the gold standard for diagnosis. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 45 patients with RCT at the 108 Military Central Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024. All patients underwent MRI and arthroscopic surgery for diagnostic comparison. Results: MRI results closely matched arthroscopic findings in diagnosing full-thickness and partial tears, with an average tear size of 3.8 cm on MRI and 3.93 cm on arthroscopy. MRI also helped detect associated factors such as fatty degeneration and tendon retraction. Discussion: The study confirms that MRI is an effective tool for diagnosing RCT, particularly in assessing the size and severity of injuries. However, MRI may have limitations in detecting smaller lesions, and combining MRI with other methods, such as arthroscopy, is essential for accurate diagnosis. Conclusion: MRI plays a significant role in diagnosing rotator cuff tears, with high sensitivity and specificity. Combining MRI with arthroscopy optimizes diagnostic and treatment outcomes for RCT.
Article Details
Keywords
Rotator cuff tears, MRI.
References

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