Of note, contrast within the subacromial subdeltoid bursa on routine and MR arthrogram examinations is a nonspecific finding that can potentially be seen in a nonwatertight rotator cuff repair [151]. T2 hyperintensity of the repaired rotator cuff tendon is a common postoperative finding, particularly in the first 2 years after surgery, and does not reflect adequacy of tendon healing or clinical outcome [152]. Chronic Shoulder Pain MRI Shoulder Without and With IV Contrast There is insufficient evidence to support the use of MRI shoulder without and with IV contrast in the evaluation of chronic shoulder pain with a history of prior rotator cuff repair when a rotator cuff disorder or subacromial subdeltoid bursitis is suspected. MRI Shoulder Without IV Contrast MRI is useful in the evaluation of the postoperative rotator cuff. The shift from metallic to bioabsorbable suture anchors tends to result in fewer cases with metal artifact implications [153]. For patients with metallic suture anchors, there are a variety of commercially available metal artifact reduction sequences, which can limit artifact. MRI can demonstrate complications with suture anchors such as osteolysis or migration [154], even if the suture anchors are nonmetallic. MRI can also demonstrate potential improvements in muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration after rotator cuff repair [155,156]. Radiography Shoulder Additional Views There is insufficient evidence to support the use of additional radiographic views in the evaluation of chronic shoulder pain with a history of prior rotator cuff repair when rotator cuff disorder or subacromial subdeltoid bursitis is suspected. US Shoulder An advantage of US evaluation of the postoperative shoulder is the absence of metal-induced artifact when examining the rotator cuff and adjacent soft tissues. Patients who have undergone rotator cuff repair may show discrete defects on US imaging that may persist for years with some potential for delayed healing [157].
Chronic Shoulder Pain PCAs. Of note, contrast within the subacromial subdeltoid bursa on routine and MR arthrogram examinations is a nonspecific finding that can potentially be seen in a nonwatertight rotator cuff repair [151]. T2 hyperintensity of the repaired rotator cuff tendon is a common postoperative finding, particularly in the first 2 years after surgery, and does not reflect adequacy of tendon healing or clinical outcome [152]. Chronic Shoulder Pain MRI Shoulder Without and With IV Contrast There is insufficient evidence to support the use of MRI shoulder without and with IV contrast in the evaluation of chronic shoulder pain with a history of prior rotator cuff repair when a rotator cuff disorder or subacromial subdeltoid bursitis is suspected. MRI Shoulder Without IV Contrast MRI is useful in the evaluation of the postoperative rotator cuff. The shift from metallic to bioabsorbable suture anchors tends to result in fewer cases with metal artifact implications [153]. For patients with metallic suture anchors, there are a variety of commercially available metal artifact reduction sequences, which can limit artifact. MRI can demonstrate complications with suture anchors such as osteolysis or migration [154], even if the suture anchors are nonmetallic. MRI can also demonstrate potential improvements in muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration after rotator cuff repair [155,156]. Radiography Shoulder Additional Views There is insufficient evidence to support the use of additional radiographic views in the evaluation of chronic shoulder pain with a history of prior rotator cuff repair when rotator cuff disorder or subacromial subdeltoid bursitis is suspected. US Shoulder An advantage of US evaluation of the postoperative shoulder is the absence of metal-induced artifact when examining the rotator cuff and adjacent soft tissues. Patients who have undergone rotator cuff repair may show discrete defects on US imaging that may persist for years with some potential for delayed healing [157].