THE ASSESSMENT OF CAPABILITIES AND ADVANTAGES OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

M. Khodjibekov*, M. Tumasova, Yu. Khodjibekova, B. Axmedov

ABSTRACT

Relevance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly when using surface coils, has become the preferred imaging modality for evaluating soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough understanding of MRI characteristics of the rotator cuff tendons, the acromion, and associated abnormalities. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted at the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics and four clinics of the Tashkent Medical Academy using a 1.5T MRI scanner. A total of 50 patients with rotator cuff lesions were examined. Results. Participant ages ranged from 19 to 66 years, with a mean age of 43 ± 14.8 years, and peak incidence occurring in the fifth and sixth decades of life. No significant gender differences were noted in the distribution of rotator cuff pathologies. Pain was the most frequently reported symptom. Abnormalities of the supraspinatus tendon were observed in 84% of patients, making it the most commonly affected tendon, followed by the subscapularis and infraspinatus tendons. No significant pathology was found in the teres minor tendon. The most prevalent supraspinatus tendon condition was tendinosis (38%), followed by partial tears (36%), with articular-surface partial tears being the most common type. Approximately 52% of patients presented with a type II (curved) acromion, making it the most frequent acromial morphology, followed by type III (hooked). Supraspinatus tendinopathy was more commonly associated with type II acromion. A reduced acromiohumeral distance was linked to supraspinatus tendinosis and an increased susceptibility to tears. Supraspinatus tendon tears were found in 45.5% of patients with an acromiohumeral distance of less than 8 mm, compared to 13.6% when the distance exceeded 10 mm. Notably, only 4.2% of patients with an acromiohumeral distance below 7 mm had a normal supraspinatus tendon. Conclusion. MRI provides orthopedic surgeons with critical information regarding the condition of tendons, bones, and joints. Accurate identification of abnormalities and clear reporting of relevant rotator cuff imaging findings are essential for determining an appropriate course of action. A comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of the rotator cuff, as well as the implications of its pathologies, is indispensable for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: MRI, shoulder joint, rotator cuff.