Greater tuberosity sclerosis: a radio-graphic sign of rotator cuff Tear?

Abstract: Objective : The study had been carried out to investigate the relation of sclerosis of the greater tuberosity to cuff tear, or whether this may signify partial or complete tear. Patients and methods :  This retrospective study conducted on 425 patients, 250 Females (58.8%) and 175 males (41.2%). Dominant side was affected in 342 Patients (80%). The average age in males was 46 years (24-68 years) and 54.5 years in Females (44-65 years). Results : Greater tuberosity sclerosis had 93.5% sensitivity for rotator cuff tear, 67.5% specificity, 90.4% positive predictive value (PPV), 51.9% negative Predictive value (NPV) and 85.2% accuracy Conclusion : Greater tuberosity sclerosis had both high sensitivity and positive Predictive value for rotator cuff tears; however, more in-depth evaluation was required to better understand the relation between greater tuberosity sclerosis and rotator cuff tear. Level of evidence III