Evaluating National Imaging Guidelines for Rotator Cuff Assessment After Shoulder Dislocation in Adults Aged 40–60 Years

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

INTRODUCTION: Rotator cuff tears are a recognised complication of shoulder dislocation. The British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS) recommends further imaging via ultrasound (US) or MRI to assess for clinically significant cuff tears in patients aged 40-60 years. This study aims to produce supplementary evidence by assessing cuff tear incidence to help assess the utility of imaging and its impact on resources. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study to assess imaging and management of patients aged 40-60 years presenting with shoulder dislocation. Data was collected for three years, 2021-2024. The number of patients undergoing MRI/US and the prevalence of cuff tear were collected. Patients were analysed for conservative or operative management. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients were collected (mean age 49.5 years, SD 6.5). Of these, 68 patients (45.9%) had further cross-sectional imaging via MRI/US, and of the 68 patients, 30 (44.1%) had radiologically reported rotator cuff tears. A total of 116 patients (78.4%) were followed up after dislocation. One patient proceeded to surgery for rotator cuff repair following diagnosis. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the high rate of imaging-detected rotator cuff tears following shoulder dislocation in patients aged 40-60 years, yet a very low rate of surgical intervention. A more symptom-guided imaging strategy may improve clinical relevance and reduce unnecessary use of advanced imaging resources.