Arthroscopic versus mini-open rotator cuff repair: A

randomized trial and meta-analysis

Appendix 2: Cuff Assessment Tear Size and MRI evaluation

Intra-operative measurement
 Mini versus All-Arthroscopic MRI Shoulder Protocol

Pre-op and Post-op

Series TR/TE FOV Matrix RBW Thick/ Ne Etl options
(cm) (freq x (kHz) Skip x
Axial Obl FSE > 2000 / 10 14 x 256 x 224 19 4/0 4 8 FC + NPW + Trf + Zip
PD 14 512
Axial Obl 400 - 600 / 14 x 256 x 192 19 4/0 2 n/a FC + NPW
GRE 20 14
Coronal Obl 400-600 14 x 256 x 224 19 3.5/0.5 2 n/a NPW
T1 /min 14
Coronal Obl >3000 14 x 256 x 160 32 3.5/0.5 2 12 FC + NPW + Zip 512
FSE + fat sat 25/80 14
Sagittal Obl > 2000 / 25 14 x 256 x 160 32 3.5/0.5* 2 8 FC + NPW + Zip 512
FSE PD + fat 14
Sagittal Obl T1 400-600 14 x 256 x 224 19 7.0/0** 2 n/a NPW
/min 14
NPW = no phase wrap Etl = echo train length
FC = flow comp, gradient moment nulling Zip 512 = zero interpolation
Trf = Tailored RF

* for assessment of cuff tendons: scan from greater tuberosity medial to include cuff tendons
* *for assessment of muscle (not tendon): scan from lateral aspect of humeral head to just MEDIAL to
the junction of the spine with the body of the scapula.

The radiologist compared pre and post-operative MRIs, documenting the size of any
remaining defect in the long axis (proximal to distal) and short axis (either anterior to posterior or
superior to inferior) in all four tendons, muscle atrophy using the tangent sign (supraspinatus
only), and the degree of fatty infiltration (supraspinatus and infraspinatus).[1–3] Failure was
defined as having a full-thickness defect greater than 1 cm in any direction at 12-months.

References
1. Kuzel BR, Grindel S, Papandrea R, Ziegler D. Fatty infiltration and rotator cuff atrophy.
Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2013;21:613–23.
2. De Jesus JO, Parker L, Frangos AJ, Nazarian LN. Accuracy of MRI, MR arthrography, and
ultrasound in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears: A meta-analysis. Am J Roentgenol.
2009;192:1701–7.
3. Roy J-SJ-S, BraÃn C, Leblond J, Desmeules F, Dionne CE, MacDermid JCJC, et al.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography, MRI and MR arthrography in the characterisation of
rotator cuff disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49:1316–
28. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2014-094148.