MRI-based 3D-shape model improves diagnosis of rotator cuff tear

MRI based 3D-shape model of soft tissue has already applied in various clinical fields. In orthopedics, its clinical application would be strongly contributed to improving diagnostic accuracy of rotator cuff tear. The purpose of this study was to compare shape and size of torn tendon of rotator cuff in reconstructed 3D-shape model to that in intraoperative findings, and to investigate the influence of employing 3D-shape model on accuracy of diagnosis for rotator cuff tear. MRI scan was carried out for 30 patients with rotator cuff tear before surgery. 3D-shape models of rotator cuff tendon and torn tendon were acquired using a standard image processing software. Four shoulder surgeons, such as 2 residents and 2 specialists, reviewed preoperative shoulder 2D-MRIs and 3D-shape model of rotator cuff tear for assessing shape and size. As a result, the accuracy for evaluating shape of torn tendon using 2D-MRIs in a group of residents was significantly lower than a group of specialists. But, there was no significant difference in the accuracy for assessing shape of torn tendon using 3D-shape model of rotator cuff tear among 4 shoulder surgeons. The findings in this study suggest that 3D-shape model could improve diagnosis of rotator cuff tear.