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High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of rotator cuff tears using a microscopy coil: noninvasive detection without intraarticular contrast material

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a microscopy coil for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears by comparing the method to conventional MRI and MRI arthrography.

Materials and methods

A total of 68 shoulders were prospectively studied using a 1.5-T MRI unit. Conventional MRI scans were obtained with a surface coil and high-resolution MRI scans with a microscopy coil. MRI arthrography was performed in 28 shoulders using a surface coil. MRI evaluation of tears of rotator cuff tendons was compared with arthroscopic findings and surgical results.

Results

The surgery revealed 40 full-thickness tears, 13 partial-thickness tears, and 15 intact cuffs. In all, 35 (88%) full-thickness tears were correctly diagnosed on conventional MRI and 40 (100%) on high-resolution MRI. MR arthrography delineated 11 of 12 (92%) full-thickness tears. Altogether, 5 (38%) of the partial-thickness tears were detected on conventional MRI, and 12 (92%) were clearly demonstrated on high-resolution MRI. MRI arthrography depicted three (60%) of five partial-thickness tears. High-resolution MRI showed higher sensitivity than conventional MRI (P < 0.05) and had values equivalent to those of MRI arthrography for diagnosing partial-thickness tears.

Conclusion

High-resolution MRI with a microscopy coil is a feasible, noninvasive technique for diagnosing rotator cuff tears.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8574, Japan

    Shin Hitachi, Kei Takase, Shuichi Higano & Shoki Takahashi

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan

    Minoru Tanaka, Yuichi Tojo & Shiro Tabata

  3. Department of Radiology, Takeda General Hospital, Aizuwakamatsu, Japan

    Kazuhiro Majima

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  1. Shin Hitachi
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  2. Kei Takase
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  3. Minoru Tanaka
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  4. Yuichi Tojo
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  6. Kazuhiro Majima
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  7. Shuichi Higano
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  8. Shoki Takahashi
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Correspondence to Shin Hitachi.

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Hitachi, S., Takase, K., Tanaka, M. et al. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of rotator cuff tears using a microscopy coil: noninvasive detection without intraarticular contrast material. Jpn J Radiol 29, 466–474 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-011-0583-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-011-0583-9

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