Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) as Predictor for Early Retear and Functional Outcome After Supraspinatus Tendon Repair

ABSTRACT Supraspinatus (SSP) tendon tears represent a common indication for shoulder surgery. Yet, prediction of postoperative function and tendon retear remains challenging and primarily relies on morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based parameters, supported by patients' demographic data like age, gender, and comorbidities. Considering continuously high retear rates, especially in patients with larger tears and negative prognostic factors, improved outcome prediction could be of high clinical value. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enables an assessment of dynamic perfusion of the SSP muscle. As a potential surrogate for muscle vitality, CEUS might reflect functional properties of the SSP and support improved outcome prediction after tendon repair. Fifty patients with isolated SSP tendon tears were prospectively enrolled. Preoperatively, SSP muscle perfusion was quantified by CEUS and conventional morphologic parameters like tear size, fatty infiltration, and tendon retraction were assessed by MRI. At six months follow‐up, shoulder function, tendon integrity, and muscle perfusion were reassessed. The predictive value of preoperative CEUS for postoperative shoulder function and tendon integrity was evaluated. 35 patients entered the statistical analysis. Preoperative CEUS‐based assessment of SSP perfusion significantly correlated with early postoperative shoulder function (Constant, r = 0.48, p