Contrast-enhanced sonographic characterization of the vascularity of the repaired rotator cuff: utility of maximum intensity projection imaging.

The maximum intensity projection technique after contrast-enhanced sonography provides a topographic map of rotator cuff vascularity; the latter has been implicated as an important factor in promoting bone-tendon healing. Approximately 3 months after rotator cuff repair, the suture anchor and peribursal regions showed the most robust vascularity. Maximum intensity projection imaging further establishes that there is a global increase in vascular response at the repair site after exercise.  Adler RS, Johnson KM, Fealy S, Maderazo A, Gallo RA, Gamradt SC, Warren RF. J Ultrasound Med. 2011 Aug;30(8):1103-9. PMID: 21795486