Effect of diet-induced vitamin D deficiency on rotator cuff healing in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Few studies have considered hormonal influences, particularly vitamin D, on healing.

HYPOTHESIS

Vitamin D deficiency would have a negative effect on the structure of the healing tendon-bone interface in a rat model and would result in decreased tendon attachment strength.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Vitamin D deficiency was induced in 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats using a specialized vitamin D-deficient diet and ultraviolet light restriction. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured after 6 weeks. These vitamin D-deficient animals (experimental group) plus 32 rats with normal vitamin D levels (controls) underwent unilateral detachment of the right supraspinatus tendon from the greater tuberosity of the humerus, followed by immediate repair using bone tunnel suture fixation. The animals were sacrificed at 2- and 4-week intervals after surgery for biomechanical analysis. A paired t test was used to compare serum vitamin D levels at day 0 and at 6 weeks. A nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare load-to-failure and stiffness values between the experimental group and controls. Bone density and new bone formation at the tendon insertion site on the greater tuberosity were assessed with micro-computed tomography (CT). The organization of collagen tissue, new bone formation, vascularity at the tendon-bone interface, fibrocartilage at the tendon-bone interface, and collagen fiber continuity between the tendon and bone tissue were evaluated with safranin O and picrosirius red staining.

RESULTS

Blood draws confirmed vitamin D deficiency at 6 weeks compared with time zero/baseline for rats in the experimental group (10.9 ng/mL vs 6.5 ng/mL, respectively; P < .001). Biomechanical testing demonstrated a significant decrease in load to failure in the experimental group compared with controls at 2 weeks (5.8 ± 2.0 N vs 10.5 ± 4.4 N, respectively; P < .006). There was no difference in stiffness at 2 weeks between the control and experimental groups. At 4 weeks, there was no significant difference in load to failure or stiffness between the control and experimental groups. Histological analysis showed less bone formation and less collagen fiber organization in the vitamin D-deficient specimens at 4 weeks as compared with controls. Micro-CT analysis showed no significant difference between groups for total mineral density and bone volume fraction of cortical, whole, or trabecular bone at 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The biomechanical and histological data from this study suggest that low vitamin D levels may negatively affect early healing at the rotator cuff repair site.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

It is estimated that 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient. In the deficient state, acutely injured rotator cuffs may have a reduced ability for tendon healing. Further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism by which vitamin D affects tendon healing and whether vitamin D supplementation can improve rotator cuff tendon healing and reduce the incidence of retears.

Massive rotator cuff tear associated with acute traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation: report of two cases and literature review

A massive rotator cuff tear in association with acute traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation is rare. To our knowledge, only four documented cases have been reported in the literature. We present two additional cases of such injury secondary to the traffic accident. The first patient had an unsuccessful closed reduction due to the posterior instability while the second developed the profound shoulder weakness following the reduction. From the findings of our cases together with the previous reports, every patient had a unique injury mechanism of high-energy directed axial loading on an outstretched, adducted, and internally rotated arm. The glenohumeral capsule and rotator cuff were uniformly avulsed from the humeral attachment, and the supraspinatus and infraspinatus were always involved. However, the clinical presentations were variable based on the severity of the associated rotator cuff tear. The outcomes of operative treatment in this type of injury with the open repair were favorable.

Posterior dislocation of long head of biceps tendon following traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: imaging and intra-operative findings

A case of posterior dislocation of the long head of biceps tendon, a rare occurrence following traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation, along with complete rotator cuff rupture and large haemarthrosis is presented with imaging and intra-operative findings. The interposed tendon prevented complete reduction. Appearances at MRI were diagnostic and directed the surgical approach.

[Application value of high-frequency ultrasound on the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears]

OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnostic value of high frequency ultrasound in diagnosing rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

Total 37 patients (37 shoulders) with rotator cuff tears were detected by ultrasound, MRI examination and arthroscopy retrospectively. Among the patients,21 patients were male and 16 patients were female. The average age was 64 years old (ranged, 51 to 75 years old). High frequency ultrasonography and MRI were applied to exam the shoulder under the standardizeds to point types and compare with arthroscopy results.

RESULTS

Thirty-two shoulders were diagnosed as rotator cuff injury by ultrasound, and 5 shoulders were detected as normal rotator cuff by ultrasound. Twenty-nine shoulders were diagnosed as rotator cuff injury by MRI, and 8 shoulders were detected as normal rotator cuff by MRI. Thirty-three shoulders were diagnosed as rotator cuff injury during the operation, and 4 shoulders were regarded as rotator cuff during the operation. The sensitivity of ultrasound diagnosis was 93.4% (31/33), and specific degree was 75.0%(3/4). The sensitivity of MRI diagnosis was 87.5% (28/32), and specific degree was 80.0% (4/5).

CONCLUSION

High frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears injuries has a high sensitivity and specificity. High frequency ultrasound can be used as a routine method to diagnose rotator cuff tears injuries.

Subdeltoid lipoma arborescens combined with rotator cuff tears

Lipoma arborescens, a rare benign intra-articular lesion, is characterized by lipomatous proliferation of the synovium in which the subsynovial tissue is replaced by mature adipocytes. Subdeltoid bursa is a rare location for lipoma arborescens, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. This article reports 2 cases of subdeltoid lipoma arborescens combined with rotator cuff tears, and the possible relationships between subdeltoid lipoma arborescens and rotator cuff tears are discussed. The intra-articular villous proliferations on fat-suppressed T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging appeared as yellowish-white lipomatous villous proliferations on arthroscopy, and finger-like lipomatous proliferation of the synovium, where the subsynovial connective tissue is replaced by mature adipocytes, on histology. Although further evidence would be necessary, the bony proliferations, in addition to bone-to-bone abrasion and inflammatory processes, may contribute to the relationship between subdeltoid lipoma arborescens and rotator cuff tears. Because this is a rare disease in a rare location, no established treatment guidelines are available for lipoma arborescens in subdeltoid bursa. For the current patients, arthroscopic excision of the lipoma arborescens and concomitant rotator cuff repair were prescribed after more than 6 months of conservative management. All patients had symptom relief and were satisfied with their results. Paying special attention to the radiologic and arthroscopic characteristics of the lipoma arborescens will help physicians and surgeons to achieve a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategy, especially in patients with concomitant rotator cuff tears.

Ultrasound changes after rotator cuff repair: is supraspinatus tendon thickness related to pain?

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the morphology of healing rotator cuffs after surgical repair. This investigation aimed to determine whether there are changes in tendon thickness, subacromial bursa, anatomical footprint, tendon vascularity, and capsular thickness after rotator cuff repair, and whether supraspinatus tendon thickness correlates with pain.

METHODS

Fifty-seven patients completed a validated pain questionnaire. Using a standardized protocol, their shoulders were scanned by the same ultrasonographer at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postarthroscopic repair by a single surgeon. The contralateral shoulders, if uninjured, were also scanned.

RESULTS

Of 57 patients, 4 re-tore their tendons at 6 weeks and 4 retore at 3 months. Sixteen of the remaining 49 patients had intact contralateral supraspinatus tendons. The repaired supraspinatus tendon thickness remained unchanged throughout the 6 months. Compared to week 1, at 6 months, bursal thickness decreased from 1.9 (0.7) mm to 0.7 (0.5) mm (P < .001); anatomical footprint increased from 7.0 (2.0) mm to 9.3 (1.5) mm; tendon vascularity decreased from mild to none (P < .001); posterior capsule thickness decreased from 2.3 (0.8) mm to 1.3 (0.6) mm (P < .001). Frequency and severity of pain and shoulder stiffness decreased (P < .001). There was no correlation between tendon thickness and pain.

CONCLUSION

After rotator cuff repair, there was an immediate increase in subacromial bursa thickness, tendon vascularity, and posterior glenohumeral capsular thickness. These normalized after 6 months. Tendon thickness was unchanged while footprint contact was comparable with the contralateral tendons. There was no correlation between tendon thickness and pain.

True anteroposterior (Grashey) view as a screening radiograph for further imaging study in rotator cuff tear

BACKGROUND

Although findings of conventional radiography seem nonspecific, it is still the first imaging modality used to evaluate patients with rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the true anteroposterior (AP) view of the glenohumeral (GH) joint (the thorax is rotated to the affected shoulder for 35°-45°) is more sensitive than the conventional shoulder AP view (the beam and cassette are perpendicular to the torso but oblique to the glenohumeral joint) in terms of detecting rotator cuff tears.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intermixed GH AP and conventional AP views of 160 consecutive shoulders, which were repaired by arthroscopic surgery, were reviewed in a blinded fashion. The detection rate of 5 pathognomonic signs for rotator cuff tear were determined by use of both radiographs: greater tuberosity (GT) sclerosis, GT osteophyte, subacromial (SA) osteophyte, GT cyst, and humeral head osteophyte. An additional comparison according to the tear size was performed.

RESULTS

The detection of all radiographic findings was significantly greater on the GH AP view than on the conventional AP view (P < .001 for GT sclerosis, P = .003 for GT osteophyte, P = .013 for GT cyst, P < .001 for SA osteophyte, and P = .002 for humeral head osteophyte). In subgroup analysis by tear size, GT sclerosis was identified significantly more on the GH AP view for all tear sizes, GT osteophytes showed a higher detection rate, especially in medium-sized tears, and SA osteophytes showed a higher detection rate in medium and large to massive tears.

CONCLUSION

The GH view is more sensitive than the conventional AP view for detecting pathognomonic findings of rotator cuff tear. In particular, the superiority of the GH AP view in detecting abnormal radiographic findings seemed prominent in medium-sized tears.

The effect of shoulder manipulation on rotator cuff integrity

The use of shoulder manipulation in the treatment of frozen shoulder remains controversial. Humeral fractures and neurological damage are the risks associated with the procedure. A concern of causing a rotator cuff tear exists but the incidence of iatrogenic rotator cuff tears is not reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of shoulder manipulation for frozen shoulder on the integrity of the rotator cuff. In a prospective study, 32 consecutive patients (33 shoulders) with the diagnosis of frozen shoulder underwent manipulation of the shoulder under anaesthesia (MUA), 18 female and 15 males with mean age at manipulation of 503 years (range: 42-63). The average duration of symptoms before treatment was 6.2 months (range: 2-18 months). The patients were examined prior to the manipulation and at follow-up for combined shoulder range of motion, external and internal rotation and strength. All patients had an ultrasound assessment of the rotator cuff before and at 3 weeks after manipulation of the shoulder. Mean time between manipulation and last follow-up was 133 weeks. None of the patients had ultrasound findings of a rotator cuff tear, prior to the manipulation. In all patients the rotator cuff remained undamaged on ultrasound examination at 3 weeks after the procedure. The mean improvement in motion was 81.2 degrees (from 933 degrees pre-op to 174.5 degrees at last follow-up) for forward flexion; 102.6 degrees (from 68.8 degrees pre-op to 171.4 degrees at last follow-up) for abduction, 49.4 degrees (from 8.8 degrees pre-op to 58.2 degrees at last follow-up) for external rotation and 3.5 levels of internal rotation (range: 2 to 5 levels). These gains in motion were all highly significant (p < 0.0001). No fractures, dislocations or nerve palsies were observed. In this study, manipulation of the shoulder has not been associated with rotator cuff tears. If done properly the procedure appeared to be safe and to result in a marked improvement of range of movement and function.

Subscapularis tendon tears: a common sonographic finding in symptomatic postarthroplasty shoulders

PURPOSE

Subscapularis tendon tears can complicate shoulder arthroplasty because the subscapularis tendon is typically divided surgically to gain access to the joint. The purpose of this study is to document the prevalence of subscapularis tears on sonography of symptomatic postarthroplasty shoulders.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed official reports of shoulder sonograms performed over an 11-year period by one experienced radiologist. Sonographic findings in 112 (mean age, 61.7 years; age range, 38-87 years; 40% female) symptomatic patients who had undergone either total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty were compared with findings in both a symptomatic control group consisting of 209 patients (mean age, 55.2 years; age range, 32-79 years; 37% female) who had undergone surgery for rotator cuff repair but no arthroplasty, and an asymptomatic control group consisting of 11 (mean age, 66 years; age range, 61-77 years; 45% female) volunteers who had shoulder arthroplasty but were without complaints.

RESULTS

The prevalence of subscapularis tears in arthroplasty patients (51%, 57/112) was higher (p < 0.0001) than that of rotator cuff repair patients (16%, 33/209). In the asymptomatic volunteers, subscapularis tears (9%, 1/11) were less common (p < 0.01) than in the symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Subscapularis tendon tears are a common sonographic finding in symptomatic postarthroplasty shoulders.

Reproducibility and reliability of subscapularis tendon assessment using CT-arthrography

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT) coupled with arthrography remains the reference standard for the preoperative evaluation of rotator cuff tears. The objectives of this study were to evaluate intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibilities of CT-arthrographic assessment of the subscapularis tendon and to assess the validity and reliability of this investigation.

HYPOTHESIS

CT-arthrography is reliable and reproducible for the preoperative characterisation of subscapularis tendon lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 67 shoulders with rotator cuff tears in one or more tendons managed by arthroscopy, both to confirm the diagnosis and to allow therapeutic interventions. Each of the 67 preoperative CT-arthrograms was evaluated by three readers, of whom the first two evaluated the images twice at an interval of 30 days. The following were recorded at each reading: partial- or full-thickness tear in one or more rotator cuff tendons, intra-tendinous delamination, tendon stump retraction, and fatty degeneration of the muscles. The position of the long head of biceps tendon was assessed. A statistical analysis was performed using Fleiss' method to compute intra-observer and inter-observer variabilities in CT-arthrography assessment of the subscapularis tendon status. Validity of this assessment was measured by computing the concordance coefficients between CT-arthrography and arthroscopy.

RESULTS

Specificity of CT-arthrography was satisfactory for assessing the subscapularis tendon. Sensitivity was low. Significant inter-observer and intra-observer variabilities were documented. The concordance coefficients between CT-arthrography and arthroscopy indicated that major differences were common with all three readers. When assessing the subscapularis tendon by CT-arthrography, all readers experienced difficulties in distinguishing intact tendons, delaminated tendons, and tendons with tears confined to the upper third.

DISCUSSION

Although CT-arthrography remains the reference standard for the preoperative investigation of rotator cuff tears, significant variability occurs in assessing the continuity of the subscapularis tendon. Reliability of this assessment is not optimal, as shown by our evaluation of concordance with arthroscopy. Although our data should be interpreted in the light of the investigation and measurement biases present in our study, they suggest that CT-arthrography may fail to provide a valid and reproducible assessment of the subscapularis tendon. The development of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR-arthrography will probably improve the preoperative evaluation of subscapularis tears in the near future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; diagnostic value study.

Rotator cuff integrity correlates with clinical and functional results at a minimum 16 years after open repair

BACKGROUND

Recurrent or persistent defects in the rotator cuff after its repair are common. Short- and medium-term surveys have revealed, after open repair, patients with an intact rotator cuff have increased function and ROM. However, no long-term studies have verified cuff integrity on MR arthrography or correlated it with clinical and functional outcomes.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We evaluated long-term cuff integrity and fatty infiltration after open repair using MR arthrography and determined whether these findings correlated with clinical and functional results.

METHODS

Using MR arthrography, we retrospectively evaluated 67 patients (48 men, 19 women) who underwent open rotator cuff repair between 1980 and 1989. Their mean age at surgery was 52 years. Minimum followup was 16 years (mean, 20 years; range, 16-25 years).

RESULTS

The retear rate was 94%, and mean size of rerupture was 3.5 × 3.6 cm (ranges, 0.5-5.0 cm × 0.5-5.2 cm; median, 4 × 4 cm). The remaining four patients had a partial supraspinatus tendon tear. Fatty infiltration was marked in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. Cuff integrity correlated with clinical results: active external rotation and forward flexion, and flexion, abduction, and external rotation strengths, were better in patients with an intact rotator cuff or a small retear of 4 cm(2) or less than in patients with larger tears. Cuff integrity also correlated with functional results.

CONCLUSIONS

Rotator cuff integrity was lost in 94% of patients after a minimum followup of 16 years. Cuff integrity correlates well with clinical and functional results even several years postoperatively. A large retear seems to be the most important factor in deteriorating long-term clinical and functional results after open rotator cuff repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The effects of aging on quantitative sonographic features of rotator cuff tendons

PURPOSE

Grayscale analysis is a practical, objective, and easy way to quantify echogenicity during ultrasonography. The purpose of the current study was to measure the changes in thickness and echogenicity that result from aging of the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps tendons.

METHODS

The study comprised 45 volunteers, aged between 20 and 84 years and without history of shoulder pain. Participants were divided into three groups: young, middle-aged, and old. All subjects underwent standard ultrasonography of both shoulders. Tendon thickness and tear were recorded, and images in both transverse and longitudinal scans were taken for grayscale analysis. To reduce the attenuation effect from skin and subcutaneous fat, we used the ratio of echogenicity of the tendon to that of the reference muscle and compared the tendon echogenicity among the different age groups. Sonographic findings were also correlated with age.

RESULTS

The supraspinatus tendon was significantly thicker in elderly participants and this was positively correlated with age. Moreover, the echogenicity ratio of the supraspinatus tendon decreased in the elderly group and showed a negative correlation with age. There was a higher prevalence of supraspinatus tendon tears in the older participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that supraspinatus tendons became thickened, hypoechogenic, and more likely to tear with age. The study presents a simple and useful method to investigate the echogenicity of the rotator cuff quantitatively.

[Effectiveness analysis of arthroscopically assisted treatment of rotator cuff injury]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the method and effectiveness of arthroscopically assisted treatment of rotator cuff injury.

METHODS

Between November 2009 and March 2011, 27 patients with rotator cuff injury were treated. There were 17 males and 10 females with a mean age of 43.6 years (range, 29-66 years). The disease duration was 1 to 36 months (mean, 27 months). The location was the left shoulder in 11 cases and the right shoulder in 16 cases. Of them, 12 cases had a history of trauma and 15 cases had no obvious predisposing causes. All patients had limitation of shoulder flexion and abduction. Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the shoulder and the out-let X-ray films of the supraspinous muscle were taken. According to the acromion classification of Bigliani, there were 5 cases of type I, 13 cases of type II, and 9 cases of type III. MRI images showed all patients had rupture of the rotator cuff. The examination of shoulder arthroscope showed complete rupture of the supraspinatus muscle in 27 cases and acromion impingement in 23 cases. The patients without impingement underwent tear debridement, and the patients with impingement underwent acromioplasty and resection of subacromial bursa after tear debridement. The 3-4 cm incision was made with arthroscopically assisted positioning, and the metal suture anchor was placed on the greater tubercle of humerus to repair rotator cuff.

RESULTS

All incisions healed primarily. All patients were followed up 13-27 months (mean, 19 months). No infection, loosening of internal fixation, and rotator cuff re-tear occurred. Pain was relieved and the results was satisfactory after operation. The shoulder range of motion (ROM) at last follow-up was significantly improved when compared with preoperative ROM (P < 0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was significantly improved from 8.0 +/- 1.8 at preoperation to 1.6 +/- 0.7 at 2 weeks after operation and 0.8 +/- 0.7 at last follow-up (P < 0.05); the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score of shoulder was significantly increased from 18.8 +/- 6.6 at preoperation to 32.2 +/- 3.3 at 3 months after operation and 33.6 +/- 2.1 at last follow-up (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of arthroscopically assisted treatment of rotator cuff injury is satisfactory. However, long-term effectiveness needs further follow-up observation.

Single-detector polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography for assessment of rotator cuff tendon integrity

This preliminary study assessed trimmed supraspinatus tendons from rotator cuff repairs (RCRs) to compare the samples' surgically cut ends and torn ends with histopathology and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) imaging. PS-OCT can be used to assess collagen content and organization in birefringent tissue and shows promise in RCR. The data were compared to determine correlations between luminosity measured from histopathology and PS-OCT. Bivariate plots and a simple regression were performed to assess the linearity of the 2 groups, with a predictive value of less than .05 showing significant correlation. Approximately 50% of the visually inspected supraspinatus tendons acceptable for RCR exhibited collagen depletion when examined by histopathology, compared with PS-OCT. Because a strong correlation in collagen concentrations existed between histopathology and PS-OCT polarized back-reflection intensity, this study established the potential of PS-OCT for clinical use in the assessment of collagen content and organization to improving outcomes in RCR.

Latissimus dorsi transfer: L'Episcopo versus Herzberg technique

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of two different techniques of latissimus dorsi transfer used in 28 patients, either a modified single incision mini-invasive Herzberg transfer (HT) or a combined latissimus dorsi and teres major transfer according to L'Episcopo (LE). Twenty-eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Minimum follow-up was 24 months. Sixteen patients were treated with the Herzberg transfer (HT group) and 12 patients had the L'Episcopo technique (LE group). The Constant score rose from 272 initially to 73.5 four years post-operatively in the LE group and from 32.2 to 76 three years and 3 months post-operatively in the HE group (statistically similar). The pre-operative acromiohumeral distance remained unchanged statistically. Radiological signs of osteoarthritis increased. Constant-Murley score, acromiohumeral distance and progression of rotator cuff tear arthropathy were not significantly different between the two groups.

Milwaukee shoulder syndrome associated with pigmented villonodular synovitis. Case report

Milwaukee shoulder syndrome (MSS) describes a destructive shoulder arthropathy associated with of calcium hydroxyapatite and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals deposition found mainly in elderly women. Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disorder of the synovium usually seen in young adults, found frequently in the knee joint. We present the case of a 63 year old Caucasian woman admitted for severe swelling of the left shoulder and mild pain, with 10 years history. Clinical signs, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and histopathological examinations established the diagnosis of MSS associated with PVNS. Surgical partial synoviectomy followed by radiotherapy (total dose 36 Gy) was considered with local improvement. This is the first report in literature about this association.

Comparative analysis of 2- versus 3-dimensional sonography of the supraspinatus tendon

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability in the analysis of images acquired using a dedicated 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound transducer and conventional 2-dimensional (2D) images in the detection and characterization of supraspinatus tendon tears.

METHODS

Images of the supraspinatus tendon in 42 patients who had undergone 2D and 3D sonography were classified by two readers independently as no tear, full-thickness tear, or partial-thickness tear. When present, the tear size and location were recorded. Inter- and intra-rater reliability for the two data sets were calculated.

RESULTS

There was substantial agreement between the two readers in the classification of supraspinatus tendon tears on 2D images (κ = 0.79) but only moderate agreement on 3D images (κ = 0.48). There was moderate to substantial agreement in the classification of tears between the 2D and 3D images for both readers (reader 1, κ = 0.64; reader 2, κ= 0.54). The most common cause of a discordant result was the interpretation of a small hypoechoic region at the footprint as a partial tear on 3D images, compared to a normal appearance on 2D images.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a dedicated 3D ultrasound transducer has poorer inter- and intra-rater reliability for the assessment of supraspinatus tendon tears compared to 2D sonography because of the interpretation of small partial-thickness tears at the footprint on 3D images, a common region affected by anisotropy.

[Symptomatic rotator cuff tear of the shoulder]

Rotator cuff tears of the shoulder are common in the middle age and elderly population and can cause chronic pain. The prevalence of rotator cuff tears in people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s is 12.8%, 25.6%, 45.8% and 50% respectively. Etiological theories for tear evolvement are divided into intrinsic (e.g. recurrent microtrauma) and extrinsic (e.g. subacromial impingement). The subacromial bursa is probably the source of pain in symptomatic patients with rotator cuff tear. It is uncertain whether the tear itself can produce pain because of the high prevalence of asymptomatic tears. The symptoms are of gradual increase in shoulder pain and weakness, however, it can happen acutely due to an injury. Difficulties in overhead activities and night pain are common. Evaluation of shoulder muscle strength can imply on cuff tear. Shoulder radiograph is essential specifically to rule out other diagnosis. Imaging such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance can further define the tear, however they should be used only if they will affect the management of the condition. Common indications for surgical repair are acute tear in a relatively young and active patient or when the treatment of symptomatic patient with chronic tear had failed. Most repairs are currently performed in an all arthroscopic technique which is minimally invasive with easier rehabilitation and less pain.

Observer variability in the assessment of the acromiohumeral interval using anteroposterior shoulder radiographs

BACKGROUND

An acromiohumeral interval narrower than 6 mm measured on AP shoulder radiographs has been considered pathological and suggestive of rotator cuff tears. This prospective study was conducted to assess inter- and intraobserver variation in the radiographic assessment of the acromiohumeral interval and its critical value on routinely taken AP shoulder radiographs off-study use to evaluate the accuracy of this measurement method.

METHODS

The acromiohumeral distance from the inferior anterior acromial aspect to the humeral head was measured in millimeters. Thirty blinded, anteroposterior shoulder radiographs were independently reviewed by five board-certified orthopedic shoulder surgeons at two time points in random order.

RESULTS

The results of three investigators showed significant intraobserver variation. Five investigator pairs showed significant interobserver variation at both examination time points. The maximum interobserver difference for the same radiograph was 8 mm (range 0 to 8 mm).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the assessment of the acromiohumeral interval using non-standardized anteroposterior radiographs off-study use cannot be seen as a reproducible and reliable method of measurement.

[Relationship of acromial morphology and rotator cuff tears]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effect of acromial morphology, as assessed on radiographs, on rotator cuff tears.

MATERIAL

A total of 200 patients surgically treated for shoulder disorders were enrolled. All were older than 40 years and had good quality shoulder radiographs. Two groups were composed: First, a clinical model group of 136 patients to be investigated for three parameters of rotator cuff injury that was divided into two subgroups. One included 68 patients, with an average age of 53.5 years, in whom surgery revealed no injury to the rotator cuff; the other subgroup of 68 patients, with an average age of 58 years, had a ruptured supraspinatus tendon. Subsequently, a control group of 64 patients (32 with rotator cuff injury and 32 without it) was used to verify the results of the model group.

METHODS

Three parameters describing the acromion, i.e., acromion index (AI), lateral acromion angle and acromial slope, were measured on standard radiographs. Tangential antero-posterior and scapular "Y" (supraspinatus outlet) views were taken, the images were digitalised and evaluated using a TomoCon 3.0 Viewer programme, and the results of the two groups were statistically analysed and compared.

RESULTS

The difference between the patients with rotator cuff injury and those without it was best shown, in both groups, by significant differences in the acromion index. This was true for both the men and women. The AI values for the patients with rotator cuff injury were 0.66 and 0.65 in the model and control groups, respectively. The same AI value of 0.76 was found for uninjured rotator cuffs in both groups. The two other parameters investigated did not appear to be of any significant validity for assessment of rotator cuff tears.

DISCUSSION

The aetiology of injury to the rotator cuff has not been fully understood yet but, undoubtedly, the causes will be many. The shape of the acromion is regarded as one of the important factors. We agree with Nyffeler et al. that a lateral extension of the acromion is most often associated with rotator cuff tears and that the acromion index proposed by these authors is a good parameter to assess this morphological change.

CONCLUSIONS

A lateral extension of the acromion plays an important role in the aetiology of degenerative tears of the supraspinatus tendon. The acromion index appears to be the best instrument for assessing this morphological change.

[Sensibility and specificity of ultrasonographic study in patients with rotator cuff injuries repaired with surgery]

BACKGROUND

painful shoulder syndrome is a pathology that in some cases requires surgical treatment. The objective was to measure the sensibility and predictability of ultrasonographic study in patients with rotator cuff injuries treated with open surgery.

METHODS

thirty-two patients with confirmed rotator cuff injury (either by US and/or arthrography) were surgically intervened through opened surgery technique. Sensibility and specificity of ultrasonographic study were measured and also functional results.

RESULTS

functional results after open surgery were as follows; excellent in twenty five, good in five and not satisfactory in two patients. Ultrasound sensitivity was of 90 % and its specificity was 81.81 % with a predictive positive value of 94.73 and a predictive negative value of 90.17 %.

CONCLUSIONS

the shoulder function recuperation after open surgery was satisfactory in most patients, allowing them going back to the performance of their activities.