The effectiveness of combined CT arthrography and sub-acromial bursography as a novel modified technique in characterization of rotator cuff tears

Abstract

Background: CT arthrography is an alternative technique to MRA in shoulder imaging, including RCTs; however, CTA alone could not stage RCTs and suffers from some limitations. Being the only technique that could highlight the rotator cuff tendons from both surfaces, our study was aimed to assess the use of multi-detector CTA with concurrent sub-acromial bursography as a new technique in detection and characterization of rotator cuff tears. Results: Different types of RCTs were characterized including bursal surface tears. Different grades of RCT size were classified. There was 100% sensitivity of CTA concerning detection of all rotator cuff tendons however with variable specificity that was very high in supraspinatus tendon. Conclusions: CTA when combined with sub-acromial bursography is a reliable tool could be used in preoperative planning in RCTs, this combination modifies the CTA technique, allows for detailed characterization of type and size of RCTs, and for detection of bursal surface tears.