Is shoulder geometry important for rotator cuff tears?

Abstract

Purpose This study is aiming to evaluate some specific anatomic shoulder parameters such as the lateral acromial angle (LAA), acromial index (AI), coracohumeral distance (CHD) and critical shoulder angle (CSA) in rotator cuff tears. Methods A total of 100 cases consisting of 50 patients with rotator cuff tears and 50 patients without rotator cuff tears, who underwent shoulder MRI (mangnetic resonance imaging) examination in Istanbul Medipol University Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, participated in this study. In this retrospective study, CCA, LAA, AI and CSA were evaluated in MRI in order to shed light on the theories of rotator cuff tears. Results There was no significant difference (P ˃ .05) in acromial index and coracohumeral distance in the patient group. Lateral acromial angle and critical shoulder angle were significantly different in the patient group compared to the control group (P < .05). There was a weak negative correlation between CSA and CHD. Conclusion In our study, we found that patients with smaller LAA and higher CSA values in MRI images are prone to have rotator cuff tears. Further studies are needed in order to evaluate whether this association has predictive value.

Changes in the Lateral Acromion Angle in Rotator Cuff Tear Patients with Acromioplasty

“…Yilmazturk et al . observed that patients exhibiting smaller LAA values in MRI images are more prone to RCTs 42 . Furthermore, Balke et al .…”

“…Yilmazturk et al observed that patients exhibiting smaller LAA values in MRI images are more prone to RCTs. 42 Furthermore, Balke et al discovered significant deviations in the LAA between patients with RCTs and control subjects or individuals diagnosed with impingement. Notably, LAA values below 70 were exclusive to patients suffering from RCTs.…”