Functional and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation after single-tendon rotator cuff reconstruction

The aim of this study was to investigate tendon integrity after surgical re pair of single-tendon rotator cuff lesions. In 31 patients, 31 single-tendo n repairs were evaluated Thirty-one patients were available for clinical as sessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at follow-up. A standard seri es of MR images was obtained for each. The results of functional assessment were scored according to the system of Constant. According to MRI evaluati on, 21 (68%) patients had an intact or thinned rotator cuff and 10 (32%) ha d recurrence of a full-thickness cuff defect at follow-up. Patients with an intact or thinned rotator cuff had a median Constant score of 75.5 points; patients with a full-thickness cuff defect had a median score of 62 points . There was no correlation between tendon integrity on postoperative MR ima ges and functional outcome. Patients with intact or thinned cuffs did not h ave significantly better functional results than patients with retorn cuffs . Because of the presence of metal artifacts and the difficulty in distingu ishing postoperative scar tissue from partial tears or thinning, MRI is of minor diagnostic value in assessing the shoulder after cuff repair. However , full-thickness tears are readily diagnosed after operation with MRI.