[MRI after reconstruction of the supraspinatus tendon: MR-tomographic findings].

AIM: The value of MRI for pre-operative evaluation of the rotator cuff is proven. In spite of its clinical relevance, there have been only few studies on MR imaging of patients who have already been operated. Thus, the question rises to what extent the post-operative MRI can contribute to the evaluation of the integrity of the rotator cuff.

METHOD: At least 10 months after successful open repair of the supraspinatus tendon, mostly combined with Neer's anterior acromioplasty, an MR scan was performed on 33 shoulders. Only patients satisfied with the outcome of surgery and showing a Constant score of 65 to 100 points were included.

RESULTS

More than half the patients had positive direct diagnostic criteria for a full- or partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon, in the form of signal intensity or morphological alterations. In addition, the indirect diagnostic criteria described by Zlatkin, such as the absence of the subacromial-subdeltoid fat or the appearance of subacromial-subdeltoid fluid, were often positive. Atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle, as a further indirect diagnostic criterion of a rupture, was also frequently noted.

CONCLUSION

Taking the excellent clinical outcome of our patients into consideration, this study shows that caution should be taken in evaluating postoperative MR images. There is a high risk of over-interpreting MR findings.