Diagnostic accuracy of 3T conventional shoulder MRI in the detection of the long head of the biceps tendon tears associated with rotator cuff tendon tears

Diagnostic performance of long head of biceps tendon tears on MRI: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the diagnostic performance of conventional MRI and MR arthrography for tendinosis, and partial and complete tears of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) using arthroscopy as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review was performed using predefined data fields in PubMed, and all articles published from January 2000 up to April 2022 were retrospectively pooled and reviewed. Six MRI studies on complete tear (n = 555) and ten studies on partial tear/tendinosis (n = 2487) were included in the analysis. Two of the included studies in each group investigated the use of MR arthrography. The data sets were analyzed using a univariate approach with the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model and the proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

MRI shows high specificities in diagnosing complete tears of the LHBT ranging from 93.0 to 99.0%. Diagnostic sensitivity was more heterogeneous ranging from 55.9 to 90.0%. The overall negative likelihood ratio was 0.29 (95% CI: 0.17-0.50) and the overall positive likelihood ratio was 37.3 (95% CI: 11.9-117.4). The mean sensitivity in diagnosing partial tear/tendinosis of the LHBT was 67.8% (95% CI: 54.3-78.9%) and the specificity was 75.9% (95% CI: 63.6-85.0%), resulting in a balanced accuracy of 71.9%. The overall negative likelihood ratio was 0.44 (95% CI: 0.32-0.59) and the overall positive likelihood ratio was 2.64 (95% CI: 1.91-3.65).

CONCLUSION

MRI is highly specific for the diagnosis of complete tears of the LHBT, whereas diagnostic sensitivity was more heterogeneous. The diagnosis of partial tears and/or tendinosis of the LHBT remains challenging on MRI, which may warrant complementary clinical examination or other imaging modalities to increase diagnostic confidence in equivocal cases.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Conventional MRI and MR arthrography have high diagnostic performance for complete tendon tear when compared to arthroscopy. The diagnosis of tendinosis/partial tears remains challenging and may require comparison with clinical tests and other imaging modalities.

KEY POINTS

•There is no clear consensus regarding the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of LHBT disorders. •Conventional MRI and MR arthrography are highly specific in diagnosing complete tears of the LHBT. •Diagnosis of partial tears/tendinosis of the LHBT on conventional MRI and MR arthrography remains a diagnostic challenge.

Biceps Pulley Lesions: Diagnostic Accuracy of Nonarthrographic Shoulder MRI and the Value of Various Diagnostic Signs

BACKGROUND

There is limited data in the literature regarding the role of nonarthrographic MRI for detecting biceps pulley (BP) lesions.

PURPOSE

To assess the accuracy of nonarthrographic MRI for detecting BP lesions, and to evaluate the diagnostic value of various MRI signs (superior glenohumeral ligament discontinuity/nonvisibility, long head of biceps (LHB) displacement sign or subluxation/dislocation, LHB tendinopathy, and supraspinatus and subscapularis tendon lesions) in detecting such lesions.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective.

POPULATION

84 patients (32 in BP-lesion group and 52 in BP-intact group-as confirmed by arthroscopy).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

1.5-T, T1-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE), T2-weighted TSE, and proton density-weighted TSE spectral attenuated inversion recovery (SPAIR) sequences.

ASSESSMENT

Three radiologists independently reviewed all MRI data for the presence of BP lesions and various MRI signs. The MRI signs and final MRI diagnoses were tested for accuracy regarding detecting BP lesions using arthroscopy results as the reference standard. Furthermore, the inter-reader agreement (IRA) between radiologists was determined.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Student's t-tests, Chi-squared, and Fisher's exact tests, and 4-fold table test were used. The IRA was calculated using Kappa statistics. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of nonarthrographic MRI for detecting BP lesions were 65.6%-78.1%, 90.4%-92.3%, and 81%-86.9%, respectively. The highest accuracy was noticed for the LHB displacement sign (84.5%-86.9%), and the highest sensitivity was registered for the LHB tendinopathy sign (87.5%). Furthermore, the highest specificity was observed for the LHB displacement sign and LHB subluxation/dislocation sign (98.1%-100%). The IRA regarding final MRI diagnosis and MRI signs of BP lesions was good to very good (κ = 0.76-0.98).

DATA CONCLUSION

Nonarthrographic shoulder MRI may show good diagnostic accuracy for detecting BP lesions. The LHB displacement sign could serve as the most accurate and specific sign for diagnosis of BP lesions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Detection and Quantitative Assessment of Arthroscopically Proven Long Biceps Tendon Pathologies Using T2 Mapping

This study evaluates how far T2 mapping can identify arthroscopically confirmed pathologies in the long biceps tendon (LBT) and quantify the T2 values in healthy and pathological tendon substance. This study comprised eighteen patients experiencing serious shoulder discomfort, all of whom underwent magnetic resonance imaging, including T2 mapping sequences, followed by shoulder joint arthroscopy. Regions of interest were meticulously positioned on their respective T2 maps, capturing the sulcal portion of the LBT and allowing for the quantification of the average T2 values. Subsequent analyses included the calculation of diagnostic cut-off values, sensitivities, and specificities for the detection of tendon pathologies, and the calculation of inter-reader correlation coefficients (ICCs) involving two independent radiologists. The average T2 value for healthy subjects was measured at 23.3 ± 4.6 ms, while patients with tendinopathy displayed a markedly higher value, at 47.9 ± 7.8 ms. Of note, the maximum T2 value identified in healthy tendons (29.6 ms) proved to be lower than the minimal value measured in pathological tendons (33.8 ms), resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval 63.1-100) across all cut-off values ranging from 29.6 to 33.8 ms. The ICCs were found to range from 0.93 to 0.99. In conclusion, T2 mapping is able to assess and quantify healthy LBTs and can distinguish them from tendon pathology. T2 mapping may provide information on the (ultra-)structural integrity of tendinous tissue, facilitating early diagnosis, prompt therapeutic intervention, and quantitative monitoring after conservative or surgical treatments of LBT.

Diagnostic Needle Arthroscopy of the Shoulder: A Validation Study

Background

Diagnostic needle arthroscopy offers an alternative imaging modality to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of intra-articular pathology.

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of a needle arthroscopy device (Mi-eye2) versus MRI in identifying intra-articular anatomic abnormalities in the glenohumeral joint, with formal arthroscopy as the gold standard.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

A total of 22 patients underwent diagnostic needle arthroscopy of the shoulder, of whom 20 had preoperative MRI scans. A standardized 12-point noninstrumented diagnostic arthroscopy was performed on each patient using the 0° needle arthroscope, followed by a 30°, 4 mm-diameter conventional arthroscope. Intraoperative images were randomized and reviewed by 2 independent blinded fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons for identification of key pathology and anatomic structures. The MRI scans were reviewed by a single musculoskeletal radiologist to identify pathology in the same key areas.

Results

For the identification of rotator cuff pathology, needle arthroscopy (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 1.00) was superior to MRI (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.75) with an interobserver reliability (κ) of 0.703. For long head of the biceps pathology, needle arthroscopy (sensitivity, 0.67; specificity, 0.95) was superior to MRI (sensitivity, 0.00; specificity, 0.83). It was less accurate for labral (sensitivity, 0.33; specificity, 0.50; κ = 0.522) and articular cartilage pathology (sensitivity, 0.00; specificity, 0.94; κ = 0.353). The number of anatomic structures that could be clearly identified was 8.35 of 12 (69.58%) for needle arthroscopy versus 10.35 of 12 (86.25%) for standard arthroscopy.

Conclusion

Diagnostic needle arthroscopy was found to be more accurate than MRI for the diagnosis of rotator cuff and long head of the biceps pathology but was less accurate for diagnosing labral and cartilage pathology. Although the field of view of a 0° needle arthroscope is not equivalent to a 30° conventional arthroscope, it presents an alternative with potential for use in an outpatient setting.

The long head of biceps at the shoulder: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

This review aimed to explore the available literature to update our understanding of the long head of biceps (LHB) at the shoulder. Synthesise our findings to identify emergent themes and knowledge gaps to inform future research and management directions.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, SportDiscus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 31st December 2021. Articles were included if they referenced adult participants > 18 years of age and were written in English.

RESULTS

214 articles were included in the final analysis, and results were categorised into six emergent themes: (1) Anatomy - Normal anatomical variation of the biceps from aberrant origins, third and fourth accessory heads, and an absence of the LHB tendon (LHBT) are not necessarily benign, with shoulder pain and instability a commonly reported theme. (2) Function - Bicep's role in glenohumeral elevation and stability in healthy shoulders is minimal. In contrast, LHB has a more significant role in shoulder stability and humeral head depression in subjects with rotator cuff failure or an absent LHBT. (3) Pathology - There is an association between LHB tendinopathy, rotator cuff disease, LHBT instability and occult rotator cuff tears. Early recruitment and hyperactivity of the LHB in subjects with symptomatic rotator cuff tears and instability suggest a potential compensatory role. (4) Assessment - The limited diagnostic utility of special orthopaedic tests in assessing LHBT pathology was a consistent theme. The utility of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound to identify full-thickness tendon tears and instability of the LHBT was moderate to high. However, the utility of clinical tests and imaging may be underestimated due to arthroscopy's limitations in fully visualising the proximal LHBT. (5) Non-Surgical Management - Ultrasound-guided injections into the biceps sheath show greater accuracy and patient outcomes than blinded injections; however, the entry of injectate into the intraarticular glenohumeral joint may have unwanted complications. (6) Surgical management - For the surgical management of biceps pathology with or without rotator cuff pathology, both biceps tenodesis and tenotomy report similar improvements in pain without any significant adverse effect on strength or function. Tenodesis favoured higher overall constant scores and a lower incidence of Popeye deformity and cramping arm pain, with tenotomy trending to be more cost and time effective. For patients with a healthy LHBT, rotator cuff repair with adjunctive tenodesis or tenotomy fails to provide additional clinical improvements compared to rotator cuff repair in isolation.

CONCLUSIONS

The scoping review highlights the variability of biceps anatomy, which is not necessarily benign and suggests a minimal role of the LHB in shoulder elevation and stability in healthy individuals. In contrast, individuals with rotator cuff tears experience proximal humeral migration and demonstrate hyperactivity of the LHB, suggesting a potential compensation role. The observed prevalence of LHBT pathology with rotator cuff tears is well established; however, the cause-and-effect relationship between LHBT pathology and rotator cuff disease is undetermined. The diagnostic utility of clinical tests and imaging to exclude LHBT pathology may be understated due to the limitations of arthroscopy to visualise the proximal LHBT fully. Rehabilitation programs for the LHB are understudied. Similar post-surgical clinical outcomes are observed for tenodesis and tenotomy for biceps and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Subjects undergoing biceps tenodesis are less likely to have cramping arm pain and a Popeye deformity than patients undergoing biceps tenotomy. The significance of routine surgical removal of the LHBT and sequelae on rotator cuff tear progression to failure and long-term shoulder function is unknown, and further research is required.

PRE-REGISTRATION

OSF: https://osf.io/erh9m.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for partial tears of the long head of the biceps tendon in patients with rotator cuff tears

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for diagnosing shoulder diseases preoperatively. However, detection of partial tears of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) using current clinical tests and imaging modalities is difficult. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of radial-slice MRI for diagnosing partial tears of the LHBT. We hypothesized that radial-slice MRI may be a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing diagnosing tears of the LHBT.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 118 patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff tears. Intraoperative LHBT findings were compared with the identification of partial tears of the LHBT on conventional-slice MRI and radial-slice MRI, using a 3.0-T system. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for the detection of LHBT tears. Inter- and intraobserver reliability for radial-slice MRI was calculated using kappa statistics.

Results

We diagnosed 69 patients (58%) without any LHBT tears and 49 with partial tears (42%), arthroscopically. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of conventional-slice MRI for detection of partial tears of the LHBT were 52%, 94%, 78%, 92%, and 58%, respectively. Radial-slice MRI had 84% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 86% accuracy, and 92% positive and 80% negative predictive values for partial tears of the LHBT. Inter- and intraobserver reliability for radial-slice MRI was 0.69 and 0.74, respectively, corresponding to high reproducibility and defined as good.

Conclusion

Radial-slice MRI demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity than conventional-slice MRI. These results indicate that radial-slice MRI is useful for diagnosing LHBT partial tears.

Long Head of the Biceps Tendon Ruptures: Biomechanics, Clinical Ramifications, and Management

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Pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon is a common source of shoulder pain and often occurs in combination with other shoulder disorders.

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Nonsurgical management, including rest and activity modification, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections, is usually the first line of treatment.

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Patients with symptoms that are refractory to nonsurgical management are indicated for biceps tenotomy or various tenodesis procedures.

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Although several studies have reported a higher incidence of "Popeye" deformity, muscle cramping, and pain in the bicipital groove postoperatively with tenotomy compared with tenodesis, there are no substantial differences in functional scores or patient satisfaction between the 2 techniques.

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To date, both tenotomy and tenodesis have been shown to be effective options in the management of long head of the biceps tendinopathy, and there are advantages to each procedure.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound on Long Head Biceps Tendon Pathologies

Clinical Scenario: Pathologies of the long head of the biceps brachii (LHB) tendon are a source of shoulder pain in many people. It is important to have a reliable assessment of the LHB tendon to make an accurate diagnosis and provide the correct treatment or referral if necessary. Shoulder ultrasound is very accurate in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. However, its ability to detect pathologies of the LHB tendon is still unclear. Clinical Question: In patients with shoulder pain, can musculoskeletal ultrasound accurately diagnose LHB tendon pathologies? Summary of Key Findings: Four high-quality cohort studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the critical appraisal. The STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology checklist was used to score the articles on methodology and consistency. Three studies evaluated accuracy in diagnosis of full-thickness tears and found high sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP). Three studies evaluated accuracy in diagnosis of partial-thickness tears and found low SN and negative predictive value, but high SP and positive predictive value. Two studies evaluated tendon subluxation/dislocation and found high SN and SP. Two studies evaluated tendinitis and found moderate SN and high SP. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate to strong evidence to support the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound in diagnosis of LHB tendon pathology. Strength of Recommendation: There is grade B evidence that musculoskeletal ultrasound can accurately diagnose full-thickness tears and tendon subluxation/dislocation; can rule in partial-thickness tears (based on SP and positive predictive value), but not rule out partial-thickness tears; and can rule in tendinitis (based on SP and positive predictive value), but not rule out tendinitis.

A comprehensive review of the normal, abnormal, and post-operative MRI appearance of the proximal biceps brachii

The biceps brachii myotendinous unit, particularly the long head of the biceps tendon and its labral attachment, is a common cause of shoulder and arm pain. Its complex anatomy and normal variations can present a challenge when interpreting MR images. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the proximal biceps anatomy, variants, pathology, and post-operative appearance as seen on MRI. Recent data regarding the accuracy of clinical examination and MRI will be summarized.

Diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detection of tears and instability of proximal long head of biceps tendon: an evaluation of 100 shoulders compared with arthroscopy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of instability and tears of the proximal long head of biceps tendon (LHBT). To assess intraobserver and interobserver agreement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 100 consecutive shoulders who underwent non-contrast 1.5-T MRI prior to arthroscopic surgery due to rotator cuff injury. Images were independently analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. LHBT was evaluated for presence of tearing (intact, longitudinal split, partial-thickness, or full-thickness) and position (normal, subluxated, and dislocated). Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears were also assessed. The reference standard was arthroscopic surgery. The ramp test was performed in order to evaluate LHBT stability. Diagnostic performance measures were determined and Kappa coefficients assessed agreement.

RESULTS

Concerning the detection of overall tears, sensitivity ranged from 71 to 73% and specificity was 73%. The specificity for full-thickness tears ranged from 75 to 96%. Overall displacement showed sensitivity ranging from 51 to 58% and specificity ranging from 70 to 86%. The specificity of overall displacement combined with anterosuperior rotator cuff tears ranged from 73 to 91%. Interobserver Kappa values were between 0.59 and 0.69. Intraobserver Kappa values were between 0.74 and 0.82.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI has moderate accuracy and good agreement for detection of LHBT tears and instability. There is a tendency for increased specificity for full-thickness tears and for instability in the coexistence of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

Editorial Commentary: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You… for Demonstrating Histologic Evidence of Shoulder Bicipital Tunnel Disease in the Absence of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Bicipital tunnel disease is often unvisualized during standard diagnostic arthroscopy. Histolopathologic evidence of disease may be present even in the absence of magnetic resonance imaging findings. Surgical decision making is multifactorial.

MRI-Arthroscopy Correlation of the Rotator Cuff: A Case-based Review

With significant advancements over recent decades, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and shoulder arthroscopy are important complementary tools in guiding orthopedic surgeons to diagnosis, decision making, and treatment of rotator cuff pathology. The objective of this article is to review the basic principles and pearls of MRI-arthroscopy correlation of the rotator cuff through an overview of our approach to reading shoulder MRI followed by a case-based review of selected conditions. By understanding and comparing the subtleties of these modalities, radiologists and clinicians can better appreciate both the utility and limitations of MRI in predicting operative findings.