Detection of Subscapularis Tear by MRI with Surgical Correlation

Shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint with wide range of motion and is supported by rotator cuff tendons. Among the rotator cuff supraspinatus tear is most common. Subscapularis tendon tears are uncommon, both isolated and in association with other rotator cuff tears also. Most common association with subscapularis tendon tear is supraspinatus tendon tear. Initially tears are diagnosed by arthrography which is now been replaced by MRI. Arthrography is an accurate technique, but it is an invasive procedure associated with risks and discomforts. MRI has a definite role in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. MRI has a good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of subscapularis tendon tears. The sensitivity is 97.2 % and specificity is 100.0 %.