Evaluation of the acromion variants in MRI and their association with rotator cuff injuries in non-traumatic patients

Purpose

Understanding demographic and MRI parameters with determinant role in rotator cuff tearing (RCT) is required to predict outcomes and select more appropriate treatment in patients with non-traumatic shoulder pain. This study aimed to survey the association of rotator cuff tears with these factors.

Methods

We performed this cross-sectional study on patients referred to Kashani Hospital with non-traumatic shoulder pain suspected of rotator cuff injuries from April 2020 to February 2021. We obtained their demographic data and MRI from electronic hospital records. After that, two radiologists reviewed MRI and recorded data. We employed the SPSS 23 software to organize the obtained results and statistical evaluations.

Results

371 subjects, with the age of 48.61 ± 14.89 years, were included in our study, and 50% of them were male. The flat and down-sloping acromion and partial tearing of the supra and infraspinatus tendons were more frequent than the others. Gender could not consider as a determinant factor for the severity of tendon injuries, acromion types and variants. The relation of age to acromion morphology and the tendinopathy severity was significant. Remarkably, down-sloping acromion was higher at all the acromion shapes; however, it makes no difference in the level of supra and infraspinatus involvement. Moreover, we found that partial tearing was higher in all acromion types, except concave. This distribution was significant only for supraspinatus tears.

Conclusion

The clinical decision is the most important step in patients with RCT and MRI prognostic factors, which are helpful to improve the management of the cases. RCT in older patients and down-slope acromion was more severe than the others. According to the previous studies, acromion morphology (as an important determinant factor) in RCT could be influenced by age, as well.