Background and Aim: The real time capability of ultrasound in conducting dynamic studies in the shoulder is a great asset. The simplicity, rapidity, low cost, and accuracy makes ultrasound the most effective imaging method for screening of rotator cuff injuries. The purpose of our study was to compare the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound and MRI in detection of full thickness and partial thickness rotator cuff tears in symptomatic patients, with arthroscopy used as gold standard. Materials & Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of 150 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear by a single surgeon at the study institution for a period of two years. Results: Out of 150 patients, 145 patients were found to have rotator cuff tears on arthoscopy. Out of total included 145 patients, 140 patients were positive on either ultrasound or MRI. Five patient with tendon tear diagnosed on arthroscopy was missed on both ultrasound and MRI. Out of 140 patients, 137 patients were diagnosed on ultrasound and 138 patients were diagnosed on MRI. Discussion & Conclusion: MRI also provides information about associated labral tears which are poorly evaluated by ultrasound and may need surgical management Arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing rotator cuff tears. Ultrasound and MRI are comparable in both sensitivity and specificity. Since US is less expensive and more available, it could be considered as the screening method when rotator cuff integrity is the main question, and when well-trained radiologists and high resolution equipments are available.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Shoulder Pain; Ultrasound; MRI.