Hye Jin Yoo MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ja-Young Choi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sung Hwan Hong MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yusuhn Kang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jina Park MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ji Young Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the serial changes in the sonographic findings of repaired tendon after rotator cuff repair with serial ultrasound examinations

Sixty five arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears (44 full-thickness tears, 21 partial-thickness tears) were retrospectively included in this study. Serial ultrasound examinations were performed at 5 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Sonographic findings of the repaired tendon were assessed in terms of presence of retear, tendon thickness, morphologic tendon characteristics, and vascularity, bursitis at each time point. 

Four recurrent tears were occurred within 3 months of surgery. Postoperative tendon thickness decreased from 5 weeks to 6 months following surgery (r=-0.245; p=0.001). There were significant changes in the morphologic tendon characteristics including echotexture, fibrillar pattern, and surface irregularity of repaired tendon from 5 weeks to 6 months following surgery. The subacromial subdeltoid(SDAD) bursitis and vascularity of repaired tendon were also decreased postoperatively over time.

Serial ultrasound examinations after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were useful to monitor the postoperative changes of repaired tendon. Morphologic appearances of repaired tendon and peritendinous soft tissue changes were improved over time and nearly normalized within 6 months of surgery. 

Serial ultrasound examinations can monitor the postoperative changes of repaired tendon and is recommended as a follow-up imaging modality in the early postoperative period after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Yoo, H, Choi, J, Hong, S, Kang, Y, Park, J, Kim, J, Serial Ultrasonography after Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tear: Temporal Evolution of Sonographic Findings.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14017572.html