II. Indications

  1. Suspected Rotator Cuff Tear (MRI is preferred modality)
  2. Suspected Shoulder Labral Tear (MRI is preferred modality)

III. Efficacy: Asymptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears are common on MRI

  1. Study of 96 asymptomatic patients
    1. Normal physical exam
    2. No history of Shoulder Pain
  2. Findings
    1. Age over 60 years (n=46)
      1. Full thickness Rotator Cuff Tear: 28%
      2. Partial thickness Rotator Cuff Tear: 26%
    2. Age 40-60 years (n=25)
      1. Full thickness Rotator Cuff Tear: 4%
      2. Partial thickness Rotator Cuff Tear: 24%
    3. Age under <40 years (n=25)
      1. Full thickness Rotator Cuff Tear: 0%
      2. Partial thickness Rotator Cuff Tear: 4% (1 patient)
  3. Reference
    1. Sher (1995) J Bone Joint Surg 77-A:10-5 [PubMed]

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