The three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation of the rotator cuff - Preliminary results in clinical use.

Aim: Accurate sonographic diagnosis of rotator cuff lesions mainly depends on image quality and on the experience of the examiner. The present study w as performed to determine whether the use of three dimensional (3D) sonogra phy further increases the diagnostic yield of ultrasound examinations. Meth od: In a prospective study 25 patients who later underwent: shoulder surger y of the rotator cuff were examined pre-operatively by ultrasound with two and three dimensional ultrasound. Results: With three dimensional ultrasoun d rotator cuff lesions were more often correctly diagnosed (sensitivity of 100%) than with conventional 2D sonography (sensitivity of 91.7%). Specific ity with both methods was 84.6% predictive value 92% and 88% respectively. In partial thickness tears, false-negative results were twice as common wit h 2D imaging. Conclusion: Although our results are preliminary and have to be verified in a larger study, three dimensional ultrasound appears to faci litate diagnosing of rotator cuff lesions and partial thickness tears, in p articular.