The diagnostic value of a subcoracoid effusion in ultrasound assessment of rotator cuff tears.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of a subcoracoid effusion and its association with rotator cuff tears at shoulder ultrasound.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This was a prospective study involving 3,405 patients who underwent shoulder ultrasound referred from both primary and secondary care between January 2019 and January 2025. Demographic details, sonographic diagnosis including the size of a rotator cuff tear, and subcoracoid bursal distension was recorded. Details of further imaging studies and surgical outcomes were also documented.

RESULTS

Of the 3405 patients examined, ultrasound revealed a subcoracoid effusion in 132 patients. Four patients had a subcoracoid effusion and no rotator cuff tear on ultrasound, and six patients reported a subcoracoid effusion and a partial thickness tear on ultrasound. A total of 122 (4%) patients had a subcoracoid effusion and a full-thickness tear on ultrasound, with 64 patients having surgical correlation (Fisher's exact test P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

While subcoracoid effusions are not common, this study confirms a strong association between subcoracoid effusions and full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Careful assessment of the rotator cuff is essential when subcoracoid effusions are identified on ultrasound.