Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Research Articles

The association between acromial anatomy and articular-sided partial thickness of rotator cuff tears

BackgroundAcromial anatomy has been found to be correlated with degenerative full-thickness rotator cuff tears in current studies. However, research on the relationship between acromial anatomy and articular-sided partial thickness of rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) is still lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether these imaging graphic parameters exhibit any association between acromial anatomy and degenerative articular-sided PTRCTs.MethodsBetween January 2016 and December 2018, a total of 91 patients without a history of trauma underwent arthroscopy as an articular-sided PTRCT group. In the control group, with age- and sex-matched patients, we selected 91 consecutive outpatient patients who underwent shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because of shoulder pain and an MRI diagnosis of only synovial hyperplasia and effusion. MRI was used to measure the acromial type, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), lateral acromial angle (LAA), acromion index (AI), and critical shoulder angle (CSA) by 2 independent observers.ResultsThe acromion type, AHD and LAA showed no difference between degenerative articular-sided PTRCTs and controls (P = 0.532, 0.277, and 0.108, respectively). AI and CSA were significantly higher in degenerative articular-sided PTRCTs (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). A good correlation was found between AI and CSA to measurement(Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.631).ConclusionsOur study revealed that higher AI and CSA were found in degenerative articular-sided PTRCTs. Acromial anatomy with a large acromial extension was associated with the occurrence of degenerative articular-sided PTRCTs.

Outcomes and Tendon Integrity After Arthroscopic Treatment for Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Tears of the Supraspinatus Tendon: Results at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.

Background:The best surgical treatment option for symptomatic moderate- to high-grade articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) is still controversial.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported and clinical outcomes and tendon integrity after arthroscopic debridement or repair for PTRCTs at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. We hypothesized that the overall outcomes would be positive, showing pain relief, good shoulder function, and high tendon integrity.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We evaluated 30 patients (16 men, 14 women; mean age, 51 years) who underwent arthroscopic treatment for symptomatic PTRCTs (Ellman grades 2 and 3). Debridement was performed in 15 patients, and arthroscopic tendon repair was performed in the remaining 15 patients. Patients completed the Constant score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score; Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index; Simple Shoulder Test; and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, function, and satisfaction. In addition, patients were examined clinically (range of motion, impingement tests, rotator cuff tests, and tests for the long head of the biceps tendon), and morphologic assessment of rotator cuff integrity was performed using direct magnetic resonance arthrography and was classified according to Sugaya.Results:The mean follow-up period was 55 months. The patient-reported outcome measures showed high patient satisfaction, reduction in persistent pain, and good shoulder function. Linear regression analysis showed that the debridement group had significantly better results on the Constant (bias-corrected and accelerated [BCa] 95% CI, 4.20-26.30), ASES (BCa 95% CI, 5.24-39.26), and VAS (pain: BCa 95% CI, 0.13-3.62; function: BCa 95% CI, 1.04-4.84; satisfaction: BCa 95% CI, 0.14-6.28) scores than did the repair group. At follow-up, there was no significant difference between the groups in clinical testing results. Good supraspinatus tendon integrity was seen in most patients: Sugaya classification grade 1 in 13 patients, grade 2 in 11 patients, and grade 3 in 6 patients.Conclusion:Midterm results after arthroscopic debridement and repair for PTRCTs showed high patient satisfaction, good shoulder function, and high tendon integrity for both procedures. Patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement had higher Constant, ASES, and VAS scores compared with patients who underwent tendon repair.

Short-term Outcomes of Arthroscopic Debridement and Selected Acromioplasty of Bursal- vs Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears of Less Than 50.

Background:While it is believed that good results can be achieved by arthroscopic debridement of partial-thickness tears (PTTs) of <50% tendon thickness, few studies have directly compared the treatment of articular- versus bursal-sided PTTs of <50%.Purpose:To compare the postoperative outcomes of patients with articular- versus bursal-sided PTTs of <50% tendon thickness that were treated with arthroscopic debridement and selective acromioplasty (for type II or III acromions).Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:An analysis was performed with data from 76 consecutive patients diagnosed with a PTT <50% tendon width (Ellman grade II) who had undergone arthroscopic debridement and selective acromioplasty (for type II or III acromions). Outcome measures included the short version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the relative Constant-Murley score, as well as strength of the affected shoulder. A statistical paired t test (preoperative vs 2 years postoperative) and an independent t test were utilized to compare outcomes between patients with bursal- and articular-sided tears.Results:Between 2001 and 2010, there were 40 (53%) articular- and 36 (47%) bursal-sided tears treated with debridement and selective acromioplasty. The mean patient age was 55 years (range, 36-77 years) for the bursal group and 56 years (range, 33-81 years) for the articular group. The mean follow-up was 24 months (range, 22-26 months). Both groups showed significant improvement in the short version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and relative Constant-Murley score 2 years after surgery (P < .0001) as well as in strength (P < .0001 for bursal tears, P = .006 for articular tears). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in any of the postoperative outcome measures at 2 years.Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrate that good outcomes can be achieved with arthroscopic debridement and selective acromioplasty among patients with articular- or bursal-sided PTT of <50% tendon thickness. No difference was observed between groups at 2-year follow-up.

Do Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears After a First-Time Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation in Young Athletes Influence the Outcome of Surgical Stabilization?

Background:Because of the high risk for redislocations after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation with conservative treatment, recent publications have recommended early arthroscopic intervention, especially for young athletes. Concomitant rotator cuff tendon damage may occur when the shoulder dislocates; however, its presence and influence on clinical results have not been well described in this patient category.Hypothesis:In opposition to current opinion, a substantial number of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (APTRCTs) would be found at surgery after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in young athletes. However, the impact of these injuries on 2-year postoperative results would be negligible.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Sixteen male patients (mean age, 21 years [range, 16-25 years]) with a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation without bony Bankart lesions were included in this study. The indications for surgical treatment were age less than 25 years and being active in collision or contact sports at a competitive level. Arthroscopic surgery was performed at a mean 7.8 days (range, 2-14 days) after injury. Rowe and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores as well as range of motion were evaluated at a minimum 2 years after an arthroscopic Bankart procedure, and a comparison of the clinical results between patients with and without APTRCTs was conducted.Results:An anterior-inferior capsulolabral injury was found in all patients. There were no bony Bankart lesions. An APTRCT was found in 9 of the 16 patients. At 2 years after surgical treatment, there were no significant differences between the patients with and without APTRCTs in terms of the Rowe score (90.0 and 87.1, respectively; P = .69) and ASES score (94.6 and 90.4, respectively; P = .67).Conclusion:APTRCTs were found in the superior part of the shoulder joint after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in a majority of young male athletes treated with surgical stabilization. There were no significant differences found between patients with and without APTRCTs in terms of the Rowe and ASES scores at 2 years after surgical treatment.

Can Quantification of Biceps Peritendinous Effusion Predict Rotator Cuff Pathologies?: A Retrospective Analysis of 1352 Shoulder Ultrasound.

The purposes of this study were to determine the best cutoff value for bicipital peritendinous effusion (BPE) and to test its diagnostic performance as regards shoulders with and without rotator cuff pathology. We reviewed the sonographic reports of 1352 patients with suspected shoulder disorders between January 2011 and June 2012. The associations between BPE and rotator cuff abnormalities were explored by logistic regression and adjusted for age, sex, affected side, and clinical diagnosis of frozen shoulder. The receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the ability of BPE to discriminate certain rotator cuff pathologies. Maximal Youden indexes were used to define the best cutoff points, which were later applied on the validation data set for its discriminative ability. Sonographic findings of subscapularis tendinopathy, subdeltoid bursitis, supraspinatus full-thickness tear, and supraspinatus articular-sided partial-thickness tear were found to be associated with BPE. The cutoff values of BPE to differentiate those lesions were 1.0, 0.9, 1.5, and 1.5 mm, respectively. Validation of the diagnostic performance of BPE at defined thicknesses yielded good negative predictive values for the aforementioned rotator cuff abnormalities. Sonographically detected BPE seems to be in association with certain rotator cuff pathologies, and it can be utilized as an adjuvant finding to rule out such rotator cuff abnormalities.

Biomechanical Analysis of Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear and Repair

Background: Articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears are common injuries in throwing athletes. The superior shoulder capsule beneath the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons works as a stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint. Purpose: To assess the effect of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tear and repair on shoulder biomechanics. The hypothesis was that shoulder laxity might be changed because of superior capsular plication in transtendon repair of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested by using a custom shoulder-testing system at the simulated late-cocking phase and acceleration phase of throwing motion. Maximum glenohumeral external rotation angle, anterior translation, position of the humeral head apex with respect to the glenoid, internal impingement area, and glenohumeral and subacromial contact pressures were measured. Each specimen underwent 3 stages of testing: stage 1, with the intact shoulder; stage 2, after creation of articular-sided partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons; and stage 3, after transtendon repair of the torn tendons by using 2 suture anchors. Results: Articular-sided partial-thickness tears did not significantly change any of the shoulder biomechanical measurements. In the simulated late-cocking phase, transtendon rotator cuff repair resulted in decreased maximum external rotation angle by 4.2° (P = .03), posterior shift of the humeral head (1.1-mm shift; P = .02), decreased glenohumeral contact pressure by 1.7 MPa (56%; P = .004), and decreased internal impingement area by 26.4 mm2 (65%; P < .001) compared with values in the torn shoulder. In the acceleration phase, the humeral head shifted inferiorly (1.2-mm shift; P = .03 vs torn shoulder), and glenohumeral anterior translation (1.5-mm decrease; P = .03 vs torn shoulder) and subacromial contact pressure (32% decrease; P = .004 vs intact shoulder) decreased significantly after transtendon repair. Conclusion: Transtendon repair of articular-sided partial-thickness supraspinatus and infraspinatus tears decreased glenohumeral and subacromial contact pressures at time zero; these changes might lead to reduced secondary subacromial and internal impingements and consequently progression to full-thickness rotator cuff tear. However, repair of the tendons decreased anterior translation and external rotation and changed the positional relationship between the humeral head and the glenoid. Clinical Relevance: Careful attention should be paid to shoulder laxity and range of motion when transtendon repair is chosen to treat articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, specifically in throwing athletes.

Use of Magnetic Resonance Arthrography to Compare Clinical Features and Structural Integrity After Arthroscopic Repair of Bursal Versus Articular Side Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: There has been no study using magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) to compare clinical features and structural integrity after arthroscopic repair of bursal and articular side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs). Hypothesis: The 2 groups studied, which consisted of patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for either the articular side or the bursal side, would show significant improvement in overall outcomes after surgery, even though clinical outcomes and structural integrity would not be significantly different. It was thought that the incidence of preoperative positive impingement signs and protruded spurs on the acromion undersurface would be higher in patients with a bursal side tear. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The current study consisted of 83 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for either articular side (group A; n = 29) or bursal side (group B; n = 54) PTRCT and who were available at the 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were compared by use of the Neer impingement sign, visual analog scale for pain, Simple Shoulder Test, University of California Los Angeles score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. At 6 months after surgery, MRA was used to assess structural integrity. Results: At 2-year follow-up, both groups showed significant improvement in pain and shoulder function scores, even though there was no significant difference between groups. The retear rate on follow-up MRA was not significantly different between group A (8%) and B (11%). Patients in group B, compared with group A, showed a higher incidence of the preoperative impingement sign (89% vs 52%, respectively; P = .004), protruded spur on the acromion undersurface (69% vs 0%, respectively; P < .001), and concomitant acromioplasty (93% vs 24%, respectively; P < .001). Conclusion: Both articular and bursal side PTRCTs showed significant functional improvements after arthroscopic repair. The bursal side tears had a higher incidence of impingement sign at preoperative examination and more often had a protruded spur on the acromion undersurface.

Histopathology of Residual Tendon in High-Grade Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears (PASTA Lesions)

The purpose of this study was to examine the histopathologic features of the residual intact tissue of a partial articular surface tendon avulsion (PASTA) tear. In 30 consecutive patients with PASTA lesions, biopsy specimens of the residual tendon were taken. The mean age was 60.4 years (range, 28 to 78 years). All tears were converted to full-thickness tears and arthroscopically repaired. None of the patients were overhead athletes. Samples were histopathologically examined and graded by use of a modified semiquantitative scale (between 0, normal appearance, and 21, most abnormal appearance). Data were analyzed by multiple regression analysis to estimate the effect of aging, smoking status, duration of pain, and steroid injections. Degenerative changes were evident in 28 of 30 cases (93%). The mean score on the modified semiquantitative grading scale was 10.5 (range, 3 to 16; SD, 2.6). Multiple regression analysis failed to show a statistically significant correlation between the score on the modified semiquantitative grading scale and aging, smoking status, duration of pain, or steroid injections. Over 90% of the macroscopically intact residual tendon tissues of the PASTA lesions showed moderate histopathologic degeneration. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic Percutaneous Repair of Anterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tear Including Biceps Long Head: A 2-Year Follow-up

BackgroundTo report the results of an arthroscopic percutaneous repair technique for partial-thickness tears of the anterosuperior cuff combined with a biceps lesion.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were evidence of the upper subscapularis tendon tear and an articular side partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon, degeneration of the biceps long head or degenerative superior labrum anterior-posterior, above lesions treated by arthroscopic percutaneous repair, and follow-up duration > 24 months after the operation. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, constant score, the pain level on a visual analogue scale, ranges of motion and strength were assessed.ResultsThe mean (± standard deviation) age of the 20 enrolled patients was 56.0 ± 7.7 years. The forward flexion strength increased from 26.3 ± 6.7 Nm preoperatively to 38.9 ± 5.1 Nm at final follow-up. External and internal rotation strength was also significantly increased (14.2 ± 1.7 to 19.1 ± 3.03 Nm, 12.3 ± 3.2 to 18.1 ± 2.8 Nm, respectively). Significant improvement was observed in ASES and constant scores at 3 months, 1 year and the time of final follow-up when compared with preoperative scores (p < 0.001). The mean subjective shoulder value was 86% (range, 78% to 97%).ConclusionsThe implementation of complete rotator cuff repair with concomitant tenodesis of the biceps long head using arthroscopic percutaneous repair achieved full recovery of normal rotator cuff function, maximum therapeutic efficacy, and patient satisfaction.

Histopathology of the Residual Tendon in High-Grade Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears (PASTA lesions) (SS-12)

Histopathology of the Residual Tendon in High-Grade Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears (PASTA lesions) (SS-12)

Accuracy of High-Resolution Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Articular-Sided Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Background The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of high-resolution ultrasonography in the detection of articular-sided partial thickness rotator cuff tears. Methods Two-hundred and forty-six shoulders of 245 patients underwent ultrasonography and subsequent shoulder arthroscopy. All scans were performed by an experienced specialist musculoskeletal radiologist and arthroscopies were carried out by a single surgeon. Results Fifty-eight partial thickness tears (of which 56 were articular-sided) were found at arthroscopy. Of the remaining shoulders, 90 had full thickness tears and 98 had intact rotator cuffs. Ultrasonography correctly identified 21 of 56 articular-sided tears as partial thickness tears. It had a sensitivity of 7%, a specificity of 98% and an accuracy of 74% for the diagnosis of articular-sided partial thickness tears. If a full thickness tear was considered as a true positive, the sensitivity increased to 89%, specificity to 98% and accuracy to 96%. Discussion Ultrasonography is not sufficiently accurate to diagnose articular-sided partial thickness tears. A higher accuracy can be achieved if a full thickness tear is considered a positive finding. Ultrasonography should not be considered a first line investigation for a clinically suspected partial thickness rotator cuff tear. An articular-sided partial thickness rotator cuff tear should be considered in all patients undergoing an arthroscopic rotator cuff procedure.

회전근 개 부분 파열에서 자기공명 관절조영술과 관절경 소견의 비교 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of MR arthrography to detect partial thickness rotator cuff tears. Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy seven patients with a high suspicion for rotator cuff disease were studied by performing MR-arthrography and subsequent arthroscopy. The ability of MR-arthrography to detect partial thickness tears was evaluated according to the location of the tears. We determined the correspondence between the measurements of the articular side partial tears on MR arthrography and those on the arthroscopic findings. Results: The arthroscopic diagnosis of partial thickness rotator cuff tears was divided into 3 groups according to their location. There were 63 cases on the articular side, 41 cases on the bursal side and 20 cases on both sides. The sensitivity of MR-arthrography was 82% for the articular side tears and 11% for the bursal tears. The specificity was 88% for the articular side tears and 100% for the bursal tears. MR-arthrographic measurement correctly predicted 72% in 28 repaired cases of 56 articular side partial thickness tears. Conclusions: MR-arthrography may be a reliable tool for diagnosing articular side partial thickness rotator cuff tears, but it has limitations for bursal side tears.

Fast MR arthrography using VIBE sequences to evaluate the rotator cuff

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate if short volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequences can be used as a substitute for T1-weighted with fat saturation (T1-FS) sequences when performing magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography to diagnose rotator cuff tears. Eighty-two patients underwent direct MR arthrography of the shoulder joint using VIBE (acquisition time of 13 s) and T1-FS (acquisition time of 5 min) sequences in the axial and paracoronal plane on a 1.0-T MR unit. Two radiologists scored rotator cuff tendons on VIBE and T1-FS images separately as normal, small/large partial thickness and full thickness tears with or without geyser sign. T1-FS sequences were considered the gold standard. Surgical correlation was available in a small sample. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of VIBE were greater than 92% for large articular-sided partial thickness and full thickness tears. For detecting fraying and articular-sided small partial thickness tears, these parameters were 55%, 94%, 94%, and 57%, respectively. The simple kappa value was 0.76, and the weighted kappa value was 0.86 for agreement between T1-FS and VIBE scores. All large partial and full thickness tears at surgery were correctly diagnosed using VIBE or T1-FS MR images. Fast MR arthrography of the shoulder joint using VIBE sequences showed good concordance with the classically used T1-FS sequences for the appearance of the rotator cuff, in particular for large articular-sided partial thickness tears and for full thickness tears. Due to its very short acquisition time, VIBE may be especially useful when performing MR arthrography in claustrophobic patients or patients with a painful shoulder.

Modified arthroscopic double row repair of partial thickness tear of the rotator Cuff involving articular and bursal side

Partial thickness of rotator cuff tears is considered as a common cause of shoulder disability. Various techniques for arthroscopic repair of partial thickness tear of rotator cuff have been reported in the literature. These techniques have addressed the articular side partial thickness cuff tear. We present an arthroscopic repair of partial thickness tear of rotator cuff involving both articular and bursal surfaces without converting into a full thickness tear. Each side of the tear was repaired with suture anchors separately.

Rotator cuff tears: assessment with MR arthrography in 275 patients with arthroscopic correlation

We assessed the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness and full-thickness rotator cuff tears in a large symptomatic population. MR arthrograms obtained in 275 patients including a study group of 139 patients with rotator cuff tears proved by arthroscopy and a control group of 136 patients with arthroscopically intact rotator cuff tendons were reviewed in random order. MR imaging was performed on a 1.0 T system (Magnetom Expert, Siemens). MR arthrograms were analyzed by two radiologists in consensus for articular-sided partial-thickness and full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons. At arthroscopy, 197 rotator cuff tears were diagnosed, including 105 partial-thickness (93 supraspinatus, nine infraspinatus, three subscapularis) and 92 full-thickness (43 supraspinatus, 20 infraspinatus, 29 subscapularis) tendon tears. For full-thickness tears, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 96%, 99%, and 98%, respectively, and for partial tears 80%, 97%, and 95%, respectively. False negative and positive assessments in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness tears were predominantly [78% (35/45)] observed with small articular-sided (Ellman grade1) tendon tears. MR arthrography is highly accurate in the diagnosis of full-thickness rotator cuff tears and is accurate in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness tears. Limitations in the diagnosis of partial-thickness tears are mainly restricted to small articular-sided tears (Ellman grade 1) due to difficulties in differentiation between fiber tearing, tendinitis, synovitic changes, and superficial fraying at tendon margins.

US of the Shoulder: Rotator Cuff and Non–Rotator Cuff Disorders

Ultrasonography (US) has been shown to be an effective imaging modality in the evaluation of both rotator cuff and non-rotator cuff disorders, usually serving in a complementary role to magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder. US technique for shoulder examination depends on patient positioning, scanning protocol for every tendon and anatomic part, and dynamic imaging. The primary US signs for rotator cuff supraspinatus tendon tears are tendon nonvisualization for complete tears, focal tendon defect for full-thickness tears, a hypoechoic defect of the articular side of the tendon for an articular-side partial-thickness tear, and flattening of the bursal surface of the tendon for a bursal-side partial-thickness tear. Secondary US signs such as cortical irregularity of the greater tuberosity and joint and subacromial-subdeltoid bursal fluid are helpful when correlated with the primary signs. Tendon degeneration, tendinosis, and intrasubstance tear are demonstrated as internal heterogeneity. Long-head biceps tendon abnormalities include instability, acute or chronic tear, and tendinosis. The acromioclavicular joint is assessed for dislocation, fluid collection, cysts, and bone erosions. Other non-rotator cuff disorders include synovial disorders such as adhesive capsulitis and synovial osteochondromatosis; degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis, amyloid arthropathy, hemarthrosis, and chondrocalcinosis; infectious disorders such as septic arthritis and bursitis; and space-occupying lesions.

Comparison of Surgical Outcome between Bursal and Articular Side Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear

Comparison of Surgical Outcome between Bursal and Articular Side Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear