MR Anatomy of the Subcoracoid Bursa and the Association of Subcoracoid Effusion with Tears of the Anterior Rotator Cuff and the Rotator Interval

Abstract

Fluid in the subcoracoid space, revealed on MR imaging of the shoulder, may lie in the subcoracoid bursa or the subscapularis recess (both structures can be distinguished with MR imaging). In our patients, subcoracoid effusions were often associated with anterior rotator cuff tears, including tears of the rotator interval.

MR imaging of the glenohumeral ligaments

“…The superior GHL forms a fold having the macroscopic appearance of a U-shaped anterior stabilizing sling for the long head of the biceps tendon [14]. Thus, the rotator interval roofs and, more importantly, lends support to the long head of biceps tendon [15]. A lesion of the superior GHL might lead to anterior instability of the biceps tendon.…”

Fluid collections and juxta-articular cystic lesions of the shoulder: spectrum of MRI findings

“…In evaluating such conditions, awareness of location and extent of juxta-articular bursae is important in order to identify or exclude significant pathology [6]. Joint/bursal effusions and cystic lesions related to subacromial impingement or rotator cuff tears may show a spectrum of different MRI findings, reflecting the degree of subacromial impingement, the size and location of the rotator cuff tear, and the anatomic margins of joint capsules and juxta-articular bursae [6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15].…”

“…The subscapularis bursa lies between the scapula and the subscapularis muscle, and is located above and sometimes anterior to the subscapularis tendon [6,7]. Fluid in the subscapularis bursa may be considered physiological [9] and is commonly found in association with non-specific glenohumeral joint effusions (Fig. 2b).…”

“…5a) [12]. The subcoracoid bursa should not be confused with the subscapularis bursa [9,12]. The subcoracoid bursa is generally more inferior, and may reach bigger dimensions.…”

“…5b) [12]. Occasional communication between subcoracoid and subacromial±subdeltoid bursae has been demonstrated [7], which explains the frequent association of subcoracoid effusions with rotator cuff tears and interval tears [9,12]. In fact, glenohumeral, subacromial±subdeltoid and subcoracoid effusions frequently coexist in patients suffering full-thickness rotator cuff tears (Fig.…”