Fatty Degeneration of the Rotator Cuff Muscles Improves in Shoulders with Successful Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

• Published in: JB & JS open access 2024-03, Vol.9 (1)
• Main Authors: Keisuke Matsuki, MD, Hiroyuki Sugaya, MD, Norimasa Takahashi, MD, Morihito Tokai, MD, Shota Hoshika, MD, Yusuke Ueda, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2472-7245
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.23.00083

Background:. There remain arguments regarding whether fatty degeneration of the rotator cuff muscles improves following rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate changes in fatty degeneration of the rotator cuff muscles, quantitatively measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with use of transverse relaxation time (T2) mapping techniques, and to assess the relationship between these changes and clinical outcomes. Methods:. Patients were included if they were scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the suture-bridge technique between June 2014 and December 2015, underwent preoperative MRI including the T2 mapping sequence, and consented to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria consisted of trauma within 2 months before preoperative MRI, isolated subscapularis tears, patch augmentation, neuromuscular disease, and a follow-up duration of