Echogenic FTT of supraspinatus

[Sameet Memon]

Hi Steve,

I’ve come across many (possibly chronic) shoulder tears that present as echogenic, such as the one in the images. Why does it appear echogenic as opposed to complete loss of that area or potentially hypoechoic? I don’t understand the echogenicity. I thought you might have an answer.

Many Thanks,
Sameet

Attachments:

You must be logged in to view attached files.

[Stephen Bird]

Hi Sameet,

I think this is a really important case for everyone to enjoy,

I have pondered over this appearance myself many times,

Today I consider it is a pretty typical full thickness tear.

The echogenic material is sitting in a hole in the tendon,

It can be one of two things.

In your case I think it is peribursal fat that has subluxed into the tendon defect.

The other option (less likely in this case) is that it is a clot (haematoma)

Either way it is a full thickness tear,

A great thing to do is ask the patient to abduct their shoulder while you watch it and you will see that the echogenic material has no connection to the tendon stump and is often squeezed out during dynamic assessment.

Ahhh, one of the great advantages of ultrasound : Dynamic assessment !

Great images Sameet,

Please keep them coming,

Steve.

[Sameet Memon]

Thanks Steve! Very helpful response.

Can I add interesting MSK cases to this forum?

Cheers,
Sameet

[Stephen Bird]

Please add as many as you like Sameet.

You are doing some great work,

Steve.

[Author]

Posts