3D Ultrasound assessment of rotator cuff tear morphology

Objective: To compare clinical examination, 2D and 3D ultrasound with arthroscopic findings for the assessment of rotator cuff tear size, extent and area. Subject and Methods: Fourteen patients underwent consecutively clinical examination, 2D and 3D ultrasound and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. After assessment, the size of the tear was measured and the area calculated. Results: The size of the rotator cuff tear in the anterior-posterior direction was not significantly different in clinical examination, 2D and 3D ultrasound compared with arthroscopic findings (p=0,537, p=0,509, p=0,222). In the medial-lateral direction a larger tear size was estimated in the three examinations compared to the arthroscopic findings (p<0,05). The area of the tear was not significantly different in clinical examination (p=0,122) and it was larger in 2D and 3D ultrasound (p