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Study: MRI diagnostic sensitivity associated with subscapularis tear size
Recently published results showed that although diagnostic sensitivity of MRI was associated with subscapularis tear size, physical examination was independent of tear size.
Researchers retrospectively identified 455 patients who underwent rotator cuff tear repairs from 2010 to 2014, of whom 139 underwent a subscapularis repair either in isolation or concurrently with other rotator cuff procedures. The researchers arthroscopically classified tear size by whether tears involved the superior one-third, superior two-thirds or complete subscapularis tendon, and analyzed patient demographic characteristics, assessments of belly-press weakness and the lift-off test, MRI findings and data on concurrent supraspinatus and biceps tendon pathology according to tear size.
Overall, 16% of tears were of the superior one-third, 69% of the superior two-thirds and 15% complete tears of the subscapularis, according to the results. Researchers found an MRI sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 70% of subscapularis tears. Tear severity was associated with MRI sensitivity, according to results, with an MRI sensitivity of 100% among complete tears, 82% among superior two-thirds and 67% among superior one-third. Results showed physical examination sensitivity of 61% for belly-press weakness and 63% for the lift-off test. This sensitivity did not correspond with tear size, researchers noted. A history of trauma and the presence of concurrent supraspinatus tears and biceps pathology corresponded with increased subscapularis tear size, according to results. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.