Arthroscopic Treatment of Isolated Teres Minor Tendon Tear: A Case Report

Abstract

Arthroscopic repair of an isolated teres minor tendon tear without associated shoulder joint pathology has not been reported in the literature. We report on a case of isolated teres minor tendon tear after trauma. The patient complained of severe shoulder pain and progressive limited range of motion 4 months after the injury. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a full-thickness tear of the teres minor tendon at its musculotendinous junction and arthroscopic repair was performed. At 2 years follow-up, satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes were observed with return to pre-injury level. Here, the authors report this case and provide a review of literature. (Clin Shoulder Elbow 2015;18(3):159-161)

Arthroscopic repair of an isolated teres minor tear with associated posterior glenohumeral ligament avulsion

“…The only other similar report describes a young patient with a shoulder instability event 11 . Also, few case reports have described posterior HAGL lesions in young patients with shoulder instability events,1, 4, 10 and although older, Lee et al 7 described an isolated teres minor tear in a 52-year-old patient who sustained a posterior dislocation. Although no frank dislocation occurred in our patient, he described a “shift” in his shoulder during the injury mechanism.…”

“…Isolated teres minor tears are very rare, and only a few case reports have been published in the literature 6, 7, 11, 12. The teres minor functions as an external rotator of the glenohumeral joint and a secondary depressor of the humeral head.…”