Radiographic diagnosis of rotator cuff tear based on the supraspinatus muscle radiodensity

Objective. To evaluate the supraspinatus muscle radiodensity on the outlet view as an indication of a tendon tear. Design and patients. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were obtained on both shoulders of 40 subjects aged 23–70 years, including 13 asymptomatic volunteers and 27 patients. Two readers analyzed the superior contour and the heterogeneity of the supraspinatus muscle radiodensity and compared them with the MRI findings. Results and conclusion. Significant concordances (P