Term of Award

Spring 1998

Degree Name

Master of Science

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Department

Department of Health and Kinesiology

Committee Chair

James McMillan

Committee Member 1

Don Ray Connell

Committee Member 2

W. Kent Guion

Committee Member 3

A. Barry Joiner

Abstract

Eleven patients who had a clinical suspicion of a rotator cuff tear were referred for a magnetic resonance imaging exam, an arthrographic exam or both. Additionally, all patients received a diagnostic ultrasound exam. The results of the imaging studies were compared to surgical or clinical diagnosis. Arthrography had 100% positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. Magnetic resonance imaging had 100% PPV, 60% NPV, 78% accuracy, 100% specificity, and 67% sensitivity. Ultrasound had 80% PPV, 50% NPV, 64% accuracy, 75% specificity, and 57% sensitivity. Based on these results, taking into consideration the national average costs of each study, no definitive recommendation can be made regarding the "best" diagnostic study. However, it is suggested that a strong clinical suspicion should be followed by a diagnostic ultrasound exam, the least expensive of the three procedures. Only if the ultrasound differs from the clinical suspicion should a more expensive, perhaps more invasive, procedure be performed.

Copyright

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