Diagnostic shortcomings of magnetic resonance arthrography to evaluate partial rotator cuff tears in adolescents.

Background: Recent evidence suggests an increase in the incidence of partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears in adolescent athletes, but the accuracy of diagnostic studies has not been previously assessed in this cohort. This study was performed to assess the ability of magnetic resonance imaging with arthrography (MRIa) to diagnose partial rotator cuff (PRC) pathology in the adolescent age group.

Methods: All patients under the age of 19 years who underwent shoulder arthroscopy, between August 2008 and August 2010, were grouped based on the presence of a PRC tear diagnosed by either MRIa or arthroscopy.