The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of acromial morphology in association with rotator cuff tear

Abstract

Abstract Background: The pathogenesis of rotator cuff tear (RCT) remains controversial. The acromion portion ofthe scapula and its morphology may be attributable for a variety of shoulder disorders such as RCT. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study that included 40 patients divided into two groups; a group with RCT included 20 patients and a control group with no RCT included the other 20 patients. 19 were males and 21 females, their age 20-69 years old with a mean age of 45. Cases were selected from the PACS system of the Radiology department of Ain Shams University Hospital. Statistical data analysis was done using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp) Results: The study revealed that Type Il acromion was encountered in most of the male patients (42.1%) and type Ill acromion was encountered in most of the female patients (42.9%) while type IV acromion was less frequently seen among males and females (5% & 0%) respectively. It also revealed that Type Ill is mostly encountered in RCT (50%); 58% of full-thickness tear and 37% of partial thickness tear. while type I is less frequently associated with a partial tear or full thickness tear (8%) for each. Acromion type Ill was the commonest type of acromion found between the patients of the case group with a significant statistical difference found between the case and control groups (P value: 0.006). However, type I acromion was the commonest acromion type found between the control group with also a significant statistical difference (P value: 0.011). Conclusion: Type Ill acromion may be a risk factor leading to rotator cuff tear. This may help guide therapy in patients with shoulder pain and findings suggesting type Ill acromion shape Keywords acromion shapes, magnetic resonance imaging, rotator cuff tear