Clin Should Elbow.  2013 Jun;16(1):10-16.

Comparison of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) and Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Tear Size according to Timing of MRI

• Park CM
• Chae SB
• Choi CH

Abstract

PURPOSE
To know if magnetic resonance image (MRI) re-examination is needed before surgery, we compared the pre-operative MRI recorded at different time points and the corresponding arthroscopic findings.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Depending on the timing of evaluation, the MRI was classified into three groups: group A, MRI was taken 1 month before the surgery (44 cases, average 16 days); group B, 1-6 months before the surgery (41 cases, average 91 days); and group C, 6-12 months before the surgery (25 cases, average 230 days). The anterior to posterior tear size (length) and medial retraction size (width) of rotator cuff tear were measured for each group and they were compared with the actual arthroscopic findings.
RESULTS
Results of this study showed that arthroscopic rotator cuff tear length and width were larger than those of MRI. The difference of the rotator cuff tear size was 3.6(+/-1.2) mm of length and 0.6(+/-0.4) mm of width in group A, 4.2(+/-1.7) mm and 2.4(+/-1.1) mm in group B, and 4.5(+/-2.1) mm and 3.0(+/-1.5) mm in group C. There was a tendency of the larger size difference for longer pre-operative period, but it was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
The rotator cuff tear size did not show remarkable differences between pre-operative MRI taken within 1 year before surgery and the actual arthroscopy. It is concluded that additional MRI evaluation is not required within 1 year.

MeSH Terms

Arthroscopes
Arthroscopy
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Magnetics
Magnets
Rotator Cuff