BACKGROUND: Atrophy of rotator cuff muscles has been considered an irreversible phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether atrophy is truly irreversible after rotator cuff repair. METHODS: We measured supraspinatus muscle atrophy of 191 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative multidetector computed tomography images, taken at least 1 year after operation. The occupation ratio was calculated using Photoshop CS3 software. We compared the change between pre- and postoperative occupation ratios after modifying the preoperative occupation ratio. In addition, possible relationship between various clinical factors and the change of atrophy, and between the change of atrophy and cuff integrity after surgical repair were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean occupation ratio was significantly increased postoperatively from 0.44 +/- 0.17 to 0.52 +/- 0.17 (p < 0.001). Among 191 patients, 81 (42.4%) showed improvement of atrophy (more than a 10% increase in occupation ratio) and 33 (17.3%) worsening (more than a 10% decrease). Various clinical factors such as age tear size, or initial degree of atrophy did not affect the change of atrophy. However, the change of atrophy was related to repair integrity: cuff healing failure rate of 48.5% (16 of 33) in worsened atrophy; and 22.2% (18 of 81) in improved atrophy (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The supraspinatus muscle atrophy as measured by occupation ratio could be improved postoperatively in case of successful cuff repair.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multidetector Computed Tomography ; Muscular Atrophy/*diagnosis ; Recovery of Function ; Retrospective Studies ; Rotator Cuff/injuries/*surgery ; Tendon Injuries/diagnosis/rehabilitation/*surgery

A 38-year-old man presented with right knee pain and swelling following a football injury. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and lateral meniscal tears. The torn ACL was repaired with a graft obtained from the semitendinosus muscle, and the menisci were debrided. The mechanisms of injury to the ACL are varied and may be due to direct or indirect contact with the knee as well as with twisting injuries. Knowledge of the ACL's normal anatomy, together with MR imaging technique and understanding of the appearance of the lesion on MR examination, is crucial to aid in the identification of an ACL tear. Diagnosis of an ACL tear should be based on direct MR imaging signs, although indirect signs may be helpful, particularly in chronic tears. Other associated injuries to be aware of include meniscal and other ligamentous injuries. Normal ACL graft and post-ACL graft reconstruction complications are also briefly discussed.
Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; pathology ; surgery ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; adverse effects ; rehabilitation ; Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafting ; adverse effects ; rehabilitation ; Football ; injuries ; Humans ; Knee Injuries ; pathology ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; diagnosis ; Soccer ; injuries ; Tendons ; transplantation