OBJECTIVE: This paper proposes to evaluate the accuracy of x-rays, ultrasounds, and nuclear magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of rotator cuff injuries, comparing their findings with open surgery or arthroscopic findings. METHODS: Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Department protocols for patients undergoing surgical treatment for rotator cuff injury diagnosed by x-ray, ultrasound and/or resonance in our clinic, that were between 2002 and 2007. Based on the data collected, we analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of these complementary exams, compared to the findings from surgical procedures. RESULTS: The study included 147 patients with a mean age of 46.09 years. Every patient had completed an x-ray exam, 101 had had an ultrasound and 72 patients underwent magnetic resonance. We found a sensitivity of 13.8%, specificity of 2.6%, and accuracy of 30% with the x-rays; a sensitivity of 57.6%, specificity of 29.6%, and accuracy of 51.4% with the ultrasound; and a sensitivity of 86.6%, specificity of 22.2%, and accuracy of 63.3% with magnetic resonance. CONCLUSIONS: X-rays showed specificitywhen the mirror sign was present. Magnetic resonance and ultrasound demonstrated themselves to be reliable methods with high accuracy for rotator cuff injury diagnosis.
Rotator Cuff; Ultrasonography; Resonance Magnetic Image; Diagnosis
