James Teh MBBS, FRCR, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

James Gill, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Suchi Gaba MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the relationship between rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy and rotator cuff tears using ultrasound.

A retrospective review of 1208 shoulder ultrasound examinations, performed between August 2005 and March 2007, was performed. The presence, location and size of rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis was recorded. The coexistence of rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinopathy was then determined.

1172 scans were included for analysis. Rotator cuff tears were present in 396 patients, on 373 occasions exclusively. Calcific tendinopathy was present in 127 patients, on 104 occasions exclusively. A rotator cuff tear and calcific tendinopathy was reported in the same shoulder in only 23 patients. Null Hypothesis: Calcific tendinopathy and tears coexist in the same tendon. Using Chi squared test p<0.001 <0> Degrees of Freedom: 1 Chi-square = 39.836

This study demonstrates an inverse relationship between rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinopathy. Therefore we conclude rotator cuff tears and calcific tendiniopathy do not commonly coexist. The pathological basis for this is controversial. This is the first ultrasound-based study to demonstrate this relationship.

If calcific tendinopathy is present, a patient is unlikely to have an associated rotator cuff tear. The results provide evidence against the theory of a common pathogenesis for the two conditions.

Teh, J, Gill, J, Gaba, S, The Ultrasound Evaluation of the Co-existence of Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy and Rotator Cuff Tears.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6021417.html