Dynamic ultrasound assessment of rotator cuff tears: The finger compression technique

Abstract

AbstractThe article aims to introduce the finger compression technique as a novel dynamic compression technique that can be easily incorporated into the routine sonographic examination to enhance its diagnostic performance in the investigation of rotator cuff tears. The application of the finger compression technique is demonstrated with illustrations, ultrasound images, and videos. The finger compression technique can be applied in challenging ultrasound shoulder scans. The technique enables visualisation of movement of hyperechoic debris or hypertrophic synovial tissue filling the defect of the rotator cuff tear during real‐time dynamic scanning. It also helps to milk bursal fluid into the tendon gap and across the torn tendon into the shoulder joint. The real‐time finger compression technique is a fast, easy and useful supplementary technique for confirming the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears in the presence of severe tendinopathy complicated by bursal thickening and may help to more accurately characterise rotator cuff tears when present.