Detecting Rotator Cuff Tears: A Network Meta-analysis of 144 Diagnostic Studies

BACKGROUND: Many imaging techniques have been developed for the detection of rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Despite numerous quantitative diagnostic studies, their relative accuracy remains inconclusive. PURPOSE: To determine which of 3 commonly used imaging modalities is optimal for the diagnosis of RCTs. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Studies evaluating the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and ultrasound (US) used in the detection of RCTs were retrieved from the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases. Diagnostic data were extracted from articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A network meta-analysis was performed using an arm-based model to pool the absolute sensitivity and specificity, relative sensitivity and specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio as well as the superiority index for ranking the probability of these techniques. RESULTS: A total of 144 studies involving 14,059 patients (14,212 shoulders) were included in this network meta-analysis. For the detection of full-thickness (FT) tears, partial-thickness (PT) tears, or any tear, MRA had the highest sensitivity, specificity, and superiority index. For the detection of any tear, MRI had better performance than US (sensitivity: 0.84 vs 0.81, specificity: 0.86 vs 0.82, and superiority index: 0.98 vs 0.22, respectively). With regard to FT tears, MRI had a higher sensitivity and superiority index than US (0.91 vs 0.87 and 0.67 vs 0.28, respectively) and a similar specificity (0.88 vs 0.88, respectively). The results for PT tears were similar to the detection of FT tears. A sensitivity analysis was performed by removing studies involving only 1 arm for FT tears, PT tears, or any tear, and the results remained stable. CONCLUSION: This network meta-analysis of diagnostic tests revealed that high-field MRA had the highest diagnostic value for detecting any tear, followed by low-field MRA, high-field MRI, high-frequency US, low-field MRI, and low-frequency US. These findings can help guide clinicians in deciding on the appropriate imaging modality.