BICEPS AND ROTATOR CUFF RATIO IN DIAGNOSIS OF OLD ROTATOR CUFF LESIONS

Purpose: Diagnosis of old lesions of the rotator cuff is clinically an d sonographically challenging. To improve the sonographic diagnosis of old rotator cuff tears the index was developed. Method: In a prospect ive study 100 patients were examined by ultrasound to evaluate standar d measures of rotator cuff diameters in relation to the long biceps te ndon. The compensating hypertrophy of the biceps tendon was sonographi cally quantified in relation to the rotator cuff diameter. Results: Th e pathological study group included 50 patients with an old lesion of rotator cuff (>3 months). The control group consisted of 50 patients w ithout any lesions. Comparison of both groups revealed a significantly higher biceps/rotator cuff ratio (p < 0.05). Data higher than 0.8 rep resent a pathological ratio (index positive), the standard is 0.5. The index is independent of sex and age. There are no significant index c hanges measurable in acute tears of the rotator cuff. Conclusion: The index helps to improve sensitivity in diagnosis of old rotator cuff te ars by ultrasound.