Atrophy Of Infraspinatus Muscle Research Articles

CNN-MRI Detection of Fatty Infiltration, Rotator Cuff and Infraspinatus Muscle Atrophy in Shoulder Pain Patients

Half of the global population has or has had shoulder fractures due to routine activities, whether intentional or unintentional. Designing a user-friendly program to input Shoulder fracture images into the model and execute it is a significant problem in the area of Shoulder Fracture Diagnosis Research. The machine is capable of predicting shoulder fractures, but it is unable to anticipate the specific subtypes of fractures that may result from other occurrences or disorders. This research aims to create an innovative Deep Convolution Neural Networks system for accurately predicting the diagnosis of shoulder fractures, in order to facilitate appropriate treatment. Our goal is to provide these services to assist individuals or groups in overcoming the delayed detection of shoulder fractures and eliminating the need for physical diagnosis of shoulder fractures in hospitals. The objective of designing a unique categorizing system is to provide a collection of test case inputs that ensure comprehensive coverage over the test area at a predetermined level. This yields a collection of test cases that prioritize the execution of the feature without considering the specific implementation details.

Diagnosis and treatment of 11 patients with cevical spondylotic amyotrophy

To explore clinical features, treatment methods and clinical effects of cervical spondylosis with proximal muscular atrophy. Eleven patients with proximal-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy were retrospectively studied from September 2016 to November 2020, including 7 males and 4 females, aged 38 to 68 years old. Clinical symptoms, MRI and neuroelectrophysiological manifestations were analyzed, and patients were treated with conservative treatment or anterior cervical decompression fusion surgery, respectively. The efficacy was evaluated by manual muscle test (MMT) before and after treatment, and patients' satisfaction was followed up at the same time. All patients were followed up for 6 to 19 months. All 11 patients were unilateral, mainly manifested by atrophy of deltoid muscle, supraspinatus muscle and infraspinatus muscle, and may be accompanied by ipsilateral neck and shoulder pain at early stage. MRI showed lesions at C4,5, C5,6 segments were more common. Electrophysiological examination showed the affected muscle was denervated, and amplitude of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of innervated nerve on the affected side was lower than that on the healthy side. All patients were obtained bone fusion. One patient who were underwent anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) occurred developed contralateral C5 nerve root paralysis after operation, which recovered completely after 10 weeks of symptomatic treatment. At 12 months after operation, the efficacy was evaluated according to MMT, 3 patients were treated conservatively, 2 patients excellent and 1 good;in 8 patients treated by operation, 3 patients were excellent, 4 good, and 1 moderate. The incidence of cervical spondylosis with proximal muscular atrophy is low, which is manifested as unilateral proximal muscle atrophy and may be accompanied by ipsilateral neck and shoulder pain in the early stage. Combined with MRI and neuroelectrophysiological examination, misdiagnosis could be reduced. In the early stage of disease, especially in the case of nucleus pulposus protrusion leading to nerve compression, conservative treatment could be taken. When the conservative treatment is ineffective or the pain cannot be tolerated, anterior decompression surgery is recommended, and the overall effect is satisfactory.

Infraspinatus muscle atrophy in a 23-year-old hockey player.

Infraspinatus muscle atrophy in a 23-year-old hockey player.

Suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large hematoma of the scapula: a case report

BackgroundSuprascapular nerve entrapment is a rare disorder that is frequently misdiagnosed as another disease. The suprascapular nerve is commonly entrapped at the following two sites: the suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches. Nerve entrapment at the spinoglenoid notch causes infraspinatus muscle weakness and atrophy. Patients present with posterior shoulder pain and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis of a spinoglenoid cyst and nerve compression. Open or arthroscopic aspiration or decompression is indicated for patients with cysts in whom conservative treatment has failed and those with cysts associated with suprascapular nerve compression.Case presentationHerein, we describe the case of a 49-year-old man with suprascapular nerve entrapment caused by a large cyst, namely, a hematoma, in the superior scapular and spinoglenoid notches. Open surgical decompression of the suprascapular nerve was performed owing to an intact rotator cuff and glenoid labrum.ConclusionPosterior shoulder pain promptly resolved without complications.

Arm Function After Arthroscopic Decompression of the Suprascapular Nerve at the Spinoglenoid Notch and Suprascapular Notch in Volleyball Players.

Suprascapular nerve (SSN) entrapment in volleyball players leads to infraspinatus (ISP) muscle atrophy and weakness of abduction and external rotation (ER) of the shoulder. To assess functional outcome after arthroscopic extended decompression of SSN in the spinoglenoid notch and suprascapular notch in a group of volleyball athletes. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Volleyballers who underwent arthroscopic SSN decompression were analyzed retrospectively. Assessment tools consisted of range of motion and ER strength on Lovett scale and postoperative ER strength measured by dynamometer, Constant-Murley score (CMS), and visual evaluation of ISP muscle recovery by assessing muscle bulk. The study included 10 patients (9 male and 1 female). The mean age was 25.9 years (range, 19-33) and mean follow-up was 77.9 months (range, 7-123). The mean range of postoperative ER at 90° of abduction (ER2) was 105.6° (88°-126°) and 108.5° (93°-124°) for the contralateral side, while ER2 strength was 8 ± 2.6 and 12.65 ± 2.8 kg (P < .01) respectively. Mean CMS was 89.9 (84-100). In 5 cases, there was complete recovery of ISP muscle atrophy whereas 2 patients had partial recovery and 3 had none. Arthroscopic SSN decompression in volleyball players improves shoulder function, but results of ISP recovery and ER strength are variable.

Humeral head coverage in arthroscopic partial repair of massive rotator cuff tears improves functional outcomes: an analysis of influential factors.

Although partial rotator cuff repair has shown good outcomes, differences in clinical outcomes remain concerns. This study was performed to determine whether patients with humeral head coverage would show better functional outcomes than patients without humeral head coverage and to identify the factors for humeral head coverage after arthroscopic partial repair of massive tears. We performed a retrospective study of 63 patients with massive rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic partial repair between 2012 and 2018. Two to four margin convergences were first performed; then, the Mason-Allen technique was performed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with humeral head coverage (38 cases) and those without humeral head coverage (25 cases). The following factors were evaluated: age; sex; hypertension; diabetes; osteoporosis; preoperative and postoperative pseudoparalysis, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Constant score, acromiohumeral distance, and subacromial bony spur; and subscapularis tear and repair. Muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively, and the integrity of the repaired cuff was evaluated by ultrasonography at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. Compared with preoperative values, significant improvements in VAS pain scores (from 6.27 to 2.32 in patients with humeral head coverage and from 7.00 to 2.81 in those without humeral head coverage) and Constant scores (from 51.35 to 75.95 and from 44.62 to 69.81, respectively) were observed in both groups (P<.001). Statistical analysis revealed that postoperative VAS pain scores (2.32 vs. 2.81) and Constant scores (75.95 vs. 69.81) in patients with humeral head coverage were superior to those in patients without humeral head coverage (P=.044 and P=.003, respectively). The integrity of the repaired cuff was evaluated by ultrasonography, and partial tears were found in 4 of 37 patients with humeral head coverage and 2 of 26 patients without humeral head coverage (P=.816). Univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (P<.001), comorbidity (P=.005), symptom duration (P=.023), preoperative shoulder mobility (P<.001), maintained acromiohumeral distance (P=.006), subscapularis tear (P=.026), and less preoperative supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle atrophy (P=.001 and P=.010, respectively) had significant correlations with humeral head coverage. Overall satisfactory results were achieved in most patients regardless of high retear rates, but patients with partial repair covering the humeral head were associated with better outcomes than patients without humeral head coverage. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that age (<70 years, P=.003), capability of shoulder mobility (P=.005), maintenance of the acromiohumeral space (>7 mm, P=.016), and less atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles (P=.021) were favorable factors to achieve humeral head coverage during surgical partial repair of massive rotator cuff tears.

Infraspinatus Muscle Atrophy Does Affect the 1-Year Outcome of Massive Cuff Repairs: Correlating Radiographic Measurements with Clinical Outcomes

Infraspinatus Muscle Atrophy Does Affect the 1-Year Outcome of Massive Cuff Repairs: Correlating Radiographic Measurements with Clinical Outcomes

Surgical treatment of scapula body fractures extending glenoid fossa: Surgical technique and early results.

The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and evaluate functional outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation in patients with scapular fractures. In this study, ten patients with scapular fractures with Ideberg type four and five, who had undergone operatively with the Judet approach in three different orthopedic centers between March 2014 and October 2018, were evaluated retrospectively. By the end of at least a 2-year follow-up period, postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Constant questionnaires were evaluated by all participating patients. Three of these patients had fractures on the left; seven patients had fractures on the right side, and the average patient age was 35.1±9.75. Mean Constant and DASH scores were 87.9±13.68 and 5.57±5.21, respectively. In two patients, about 2 cm adjacent to the suprascapular notch, perioperative suprascapular nerve injury was stated and sutured using the epineural technique. By the end of the 2-year follow-up of these two patients, infraspinatus muscle atrophy had occurred. However, external rotation muscle strength was 4/5 in both patients. This study suggests that scapula fractures extending glenoid articular surface can be safely fixed through the Judet approach and had satisfactory results. In addition, two patients with traumatic suprascapular nerve injury were encountered during the surgery and repaired which may be hard to diagnose with modified or minimal incisional approaches.

Added value of combined acromiohumeral distance and critical shoulder angle measurements on conventional radiographs for the prediction of rotator cuff pathology

PurposeTo investigate the role of acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and critical shoulder angle (CSA) measurements from conventional radiographs (CR) in isolation and combined (prognostic index PIAHD-CSA) as predictors of full thickness rotator cuff tendon tears (RCT) and critical fatty degeneration (CFD; i.e. as much fat as muscle). MethodIn this retrospective study AHD and CSA were measured in 127 CR. MR arthrograms served as reference standard and were screened for RCT and CFD. Statistical analysis for inter-reader agreement, Spearman’s rank correlation, linear stepwise regression and logistic regression for AHD and CSA with ROC analyses including PIAHD-CSA were performed. ResultsIn 90 subjects (17 females, mean age 36.1 ± 14.1) no RCT were found on MR imaging and served as control group. In 37 patients (13 females, mean age 58.7 ± 13.2) ≥ one RCT was found. Inter-reader agreements rated between к = 0.42–0.82 for categorical and 0.91–0.96 for continuous variables. No significant correlation of AHD and CSA with either age or sex was seen (p = 0.28 and p = 0.74, respectively). Case group had significantly smaller mean AHD (8.7 ± 3.2 vs. 10.8 ± 2.2 mm; p < 0.001) and larger mean CSA (36.5 ± 4.5° vs. 33.1 ± 4.0°; p < 0.001). PIAHD-CSA increased diagnostic performance for prediction of RCT and CFD (AUC = 0.78 and 0.71), compared to isolated AHD (0.74 and 0.71) and CSA (0.71 and 0.66). ConclusionsAHD and CSA do not depend on age or sex but differ significantly between healthy and pathologic rotator cuffs. A decreased AHD is most influenced by infraspinatus muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration. Combined PIAHD-CSA increases diagnostic performance for predicting RCT and CFD.

Visual Observation of Apparent Infraspinatus Muscle Atrophy in Male Professional Tennis Players.

Background:Previous studies have reported visually observed apparent muscle atrophy in the infraspinous fossa of the dominant arm of overhead athletes. Several mechanisms have been proposed as etiological factors, including eccentric overload, compressive spinoglenoid notch paralabral cysts, and cumulative tensile suprascapular neurapraxia.Purpose:To report the prevalence of apparent infraspinatus atrophy in male professional tennis players and to determine whether the suspected atrophy correlates with objectively measured weakness of external rotation.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A total of 153 male professional tennis players underwent a musculoskeletal screening examination that included visual inspection of the infraspinous fossa. Infraspinatus atrophy was defined as hollowing or loss of soft tissue bulk inferior to the scapular spine in the infraspinous fossa of one extremity that was visibly different from the contralateral extremity. This finding was observed and independently agreed upon by both an orthopaedic surgeon and a physical therapist during the examination. Also assessed were rotator cuff instrument-assisted manual muscle testing, visual observation of scapular kinesis (or motion), and glenohumeral joint range of motion for internal and external rotation and horizontal adduction.Results:In the 153 players, dominant-arm infraspinatus atrophy was observed in 92 players (60.1%), and only 1 player (0.7%) was identified with nondominant infraspinatus atrophy. A Pearson correlation showed a significant relationship between the presence of dominant-arm infraspinatus atrophy and dominant-arm external rotation strength measured in neutral abduction/adduction (at the side) (P = .001) as well as between the presence of dominant-arm infraspinatus atrophy and bilateral external rotation strength measured at 90° of glenohumeral joint abduction (P = .009 for dominant arm and .002 for nondominant arm). No significant correlation was found with scapular dyskinesis, glenohumeral range of motion, or instrument-assisted manual muscle testing of the supraspinatus (empty-can test).Conclusion:Visually observed infraspinatus muscle atrophy is a common finding in the dominant shoulder of asymptomatic male professional tennis players and is significantly correlated with external rotation weakness. This condition is present in uninjured players without known shoulder pathology and is not related to glenohumeral joint internal rotation, total rotation range of motion, or scapular dysfunction. Players with visually observed infraspinatus atrophy should be evaluated for external rotation strength and may require preventive strengthening.

Did the prevalence of suprascapular neuropathy in professional volleyball players decrease with the changes occurred in serving technique?

ABSTRACT Objectives: Suprascapular neuropathy is more frequent in volleyball as compared to other overhead sports. This study aims to report the actual prevalence of suprascapular neuropathy among elite volleyball players. The hypothesis is that becoming jump topspin serves the most common serving technique, suprascapular neuropathy reduced its frequency. Methods: A total of 82 professional players were enrolled in the study. The presence of symptoms and the type of serve preferably performed were investigated. The strength and trophicity of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were evaluated. Patients with positive clinical findings underwent MRI of the shoulder. Results: The jump topspin serve was found to be the most popular type of serve both in males and females. At physical examination, 9% of the males and 12% of the females presented with infraspinatus muscle hypotrophy. Each case was accompanied by external rotation weakness. None of them complained of pain or reduced performance when they played. MRI confirmed infraspinatus muscle atrophy in all subjects. Conclusion: A lower prevalence of suprascapular neuropathy was found as compared with that previously reported in the 1980s and 1990s. A reduction in the popularity of the float serve seems to be a possible explanation. Thus, the jump topspin serve could be safe for suprascapular neuropathy and associated injuries in volleyball. The findings of this study should be considered by athletes and coaches for the prevention of activity-related injuries.

The natural course of and risk factors for tear progression in conservatively treated full-thickness rotator cuff tears

The natural course of and risk factors for tear progression in full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs) have not been clarified yet. The study's purpose was to retrospectively evaluate tear progression in FTRCTs by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to identify risk factors that are relevant to such tear progression. Between June 2010 and September 2019, a total of 345 patients with FTRCTs who had been diagnosed via MRI were treated conservatively. Of these, 48 patients who underwent post-treatment follow-up MRI were retrospectively enrolled. Tear progression was defined as significant when the tear size increased by >5 mm. The mean MRI follow-up duration was 22 ± 14 months (range, 12-65 months). Among the 48 patients (mean age, 69 years; range, 53-81), 26 (54%) and 20 (41%) showed medial-lateral (M-L) and anterior-posterior (A-P) tear progression on MRI follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that MRI follow-up duration (P = .011), diabetes mellitus (P = .017), and infraspinatus muscle atrophy (P = .011) were independent risk factors for tear progression in the A-P plane. A high critical shoulder angle (P = .011) and supraspinatus (P = .024) and infraspinatus (P = .020) muscle atrophy were risk factors associated with M-L tear progression. Among the assessed patients, a considerable number of FTRCTs increased in size during the follow-up period. Severe infraspinatus muscle atrophy was the independent risk factor for exacerbation of A-P and M-L tear progression.

The radiographic morphology of the greater tuberosity is associated with muscle degeneration in patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears

Atrophy and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles portend poor findings in terms of postoperative function and the probability of retears. We assumed that sclerosis and spurs of the greater tuberosity (GT) on radiographs are associated with this rotator cuff muscle degeneration. We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative radiographs and magnetic resonance (MR) images of 91 shoulders (average age of patients, 59.7years; age range, 36-79 years) arthroscopically repaired between 2012 and 2016. The radiographic morphology of the GT was defined as normal, sclerotic, or spurring. Atrophy and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles were evaluated using the occupation ratio and Goutallier classification, respectively, via the MR images. Diagnoses of rotator cuff tears were made during arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Significant associations between the radiographic GT morphology and the severity of both supraspinatus muscle atrophy (P = .002) and infraspinatus muscle atrophy (P = .047) were found. The mean occupation ratios of both the sclerotic GT group and the spurring GT group were significantly reduced compared with the mean occupation ratio of the normal GT group. Patients with GT spurs were found to be prone to severe supraspinatus fatty degeneration (P = .020). For patients with rotator cuff tears, the presence of GT spurs or sclerosis on radiographs predicted the occurrence of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle atrophy, as well as supraspinatus fatty infiltration, based on MR images. The clinical relevance is that MR imaging is suggested for patients with radiographic GT sclerosis or spurs to detect advanced rotator cuff lesions.

Effect of a specific exercise strategy on strength and proprioception in volleyball players with infraspinatus muscle atrophy.

Infraspinatus muscle atrophy is common in professional volleyball players, but it is unclear whether commonly observed strength and proprioception deficits can be reversed with training. Fifty-four participants were recruited into an infraspinatus atrophy group (IAG, n=18) and a non-atrophy group (NAG, n=18) of elite volleyballers plus a healthy non-athletic control group (CG, n=18). IAG were trained with a progressive, specific shoulder external rotator strengthening routine for 32 sessions over 8weeks. Shoulder external rotation peak torque (SERPT) and threshold to detect passive movement (TTDPM) and joint position sense (JPS) were measured before and after the intervention. At baseline, no significant difference was detected in strength or proprioception between the injured and control groups, but the normal athletes were stronger and had better proprioception than either IAG or CG (P<.001). IAG (d=2.78) and NAG (d=0.442) improved strength significantly after training. IAG improved TTDM and JPS (P<.001, d=-0.719 and -2.942, respectively) but were still worse than NAG (P<.001). Elite volleyball players with Infraspinatus muscle atrophy have strength and proprioception deficits which can be improved by a specific exercise program to normal but not elite athlete control levels.

ARTHROSCOPIC REPAIR OF LARGE AND MASSIVE ROTATOR CUFF TEARS: CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND POSTOPERATIVE MRI FINDINGS

Purpose of the study – to identify incidence rate of recurrent rotator cuff (RC) tears, to evaluate outcomes of arthroscopic bone-tendon anchor suture, to determine the factors influencing arthroscopic treatment outcomes.Materials and methods. Medical history data, pre-operative x-rays and MRI of shoulder joints of 305 patients (main group) who underwent arthroscopic bone-tendon anchor suture repair of large or massive RC tears during 2010-2016 were included in the study. Follow up period ranged from 1 to 6 years postoperatively with mean value of 25,6±4,5 months. Telephone survey of patients was conducted after the surgery as well as a single examination of patients with evaluation by functional scales – UCLA, ASES, CS, VAS, DN4. Preoperative standard x-rays in AP and axial views were done in all patients. Arthropathy severity was evaluated by K.Hamada classification. Comparison of patient specific data, features of RC lesions and surgical treatment was made by Kruskal-Wallis test.Results. Good outcomes by ASES, CS and UCLA functional scales were obtained in 15 (5%) of patients, satisfactory – in 213 (69.8%), poor – in 77 (25.2%). Postoperative MRI data provided the following sub-distribution of patients: 49 (41.1%) patients with complete repair of RC tendons lesions, 38 (31.9%) patients with partial repair and 33 (27.0%) patients with recurrent tear of reconstructed tendon. Correlation analysis allowed to establish the limits for achieving good outcomes of arthroscopic bone-tendon anchor suturing for significant association with infraspinatus muscle atrophy (not exceeding 40%) and fatty infiltration of supraspinatus muscle (not exceeding 23.5%).

Sensorimotor Control of the Shoulder in Professional Volleyball Players With Isolated Infraspinatus Muscle Atrophy.

Isolated infraspinatus muscle atrophy (IIMA) affects only the hitting shoulder of overhead-activity athletes and is caused by suprascapular nerve neuropathy. No study has assessed the static and dynamic stability of the shoulder in overhead professional athletes with IIMA to reveal possible shoulder sensorimotor alterations. To assess the shoulder static stability, dynamic stability, and strength in professional volleyball players with IIMA and in healthy control players. Cross-sectional study. Research lab. A total of 24 male professional volleyball players (12 players with diagnosed IIMA and 12 healthy players) recruited from local volleyball teams. Static stability was evaluated with 2 independent force platforms, and dynamic stability was assessed with the "Upper Quarter Y Balance Test." The static stability assessment was conducted in different support (single hand and both hands) and vision (open and closed eyes) conditions. Data from each test were analyzed with analysis of variance and paired t-test models to highlight statistical differences within and between groups. In addition to reduced abduction and external rotation strength, athletes with IIMA consistently demonstrated significant less static (P < .001) and dynamic stability (P < .001), compared with the contralateral shoulder and with healthy athletes. Closed eyes condition significantly enhanced the static stability deficit of the shoulder with IIMA (P = .04 and P = .03 for both hand and single hand support, respectively) but had no effect on healthy contralateral and healthy players' shoulders. This study highlights an impairment of the sensorimotor control system of the shoulder with IIMA, which likely results from both proprioceptive and strength deficits. This condition could yield subtle alteration in the functional use of the shoulder and predispose it to acute or overuse injuries. The results of this study may help athletic trainers and physical/physiotherapists to prevent shoulder injuries and create to specific proprioceptive and neuromuscular training programs.

Hypertrophic teres minor restores shoulder strength and range of external rotation in posterosuperior rotator cuff tears

In posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (PS-RCT), the progression of infraspinatus (ISP) muscle atrophy seems to induce compensatory hypertrophy of the teres minor (TM) muscles. However, the effect of these changes on shoulder strength and range of external rotation (ER) remains unclear. This study determined the strength and range of ER in patients with PS-RCT with atrophic ISP and hypertrophic TM and compared this with patients with PS-RCT and normal or deficient TM. We investigated 35 patients with PS-RCT and atrophic ISP. TM muscles were classified as hypertrophic (type A) in 17, normal (type B) in 10, or deficient (type C) in 8. The strength ratio of the affected shoulder to the healthy contralateral shoulder was calculated, and the active range of motion was measured for both shoulders. The strength ratios of ER in types A, B, and C were 60%, 33%, and 7% (P < .01) with the patient's arm at the side and were 60%, 35%, and 5% (P < .001) at 90° abduction, respectively. The average ranges of ER in types A, B, and C were 22.6°, 15.0°, and -12.5° (P < .001) with the patient's arm at the side and were 71.6°, 44.5°, and 21.9° at 90° abduction (P < .01), respectively. The differences between shoulder types in other measures of strength or ER range were not significant. In patients with PS-RCT and atrophic ISP, shoulders with compensatory hypertrophy of the TM had greater strength and range of ER than shoulders with normal or atrophic TM.

Suprascapular neuropathy: An often overlooked cause of shoulder pain and weakness

A 30-year-old painter developed pain in the right posterior shoulder region after 1 month of intensive work. Pain intensified as he continued his job, and finally he noticed weakness of the involved shoulder, which led him to seek medical advice.He was referred to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from orthopedics as a case of rotator cuff injury. Examination was normal except for atrophy of infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscle on the involved side and decreased strength of shoulder on abduction and external rotation. Routine X-ray were normal. Electromyographic examination demonstrated denervation of the right infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscle. A diagnosis of right suprascapular neuropathy was made. The patient is being treated conservatively since the past 3 months and has showed significant improvement in power and relief in pain.

High Incidence of Infraspinatus Muscle Atrophy in Elite Professional Female Tennis Players

Background: Isolated infraspinatus muscle atrophy is common in overhead athletes, who place significant and repetitive stresses across their dominant shoulders. Studies on volleyball and baseball players report infraspinatus atrophy in 4% to 34% of players; however, the prevalence of infraspinatus atrophy in professional tennis players has not been reported. Purpose: To investigate the incidence of isolated infraspinatus atrophy in professional tennis players and to identify any correlations with other physical examination findings, ranking performance, and concurrent shoulder injuries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 125 professional female tennis players underwent a comprehensive preparticipation physical health status examination. Two orthopaedic surgeons examined the shoulders of all players and obtained digital goniometric measurements of range of motion (ROM). Infraspinatus atrophy was defined as loss of soft tissue bulk in the infraspinatus scapula fossa (and increased prominence of dorsal scapular bony anatomy) of the dominant shoulder with clear asymmetry when compared with the contralateral side. Correlations were examined between infraspinatus atrophy and concurrent shoulder disorders, clinical examination findings, ROM, glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, singles tennis ranking, and age. Results: There were 65 players (52%) with evidence of infraspinatus atrophy in their dominant shoulders. No wasting was noted in the nondominant shoulder of any player. No statistically significant differences were seen in mean age, left- or right-hand dominance, height, weight, or body mass index for players with or without atrophy. Of the 77 players ranked in the top 100, 58% had clinical infraspinatus atrophy, compared with 40% of players ranked outside the top 100. No associations were found with static physical examination findings (scapular dyskinesis, ROM glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, postural abnormalities), concurrent shoulder disorders, or compromised performance when measured by singles ranking. Conclusion: This study reports a high level of clinical infraspinatus atrophy in the dominant shoulder of elite female tennis players. Infraspinatus atrophy was associated with a higher performance ranking, and no functional deficits or associations with concurrent shoulder disorders were found. Team physicians can be reassured that infraspinatus atrophy is a common finding in high-performing tennis players and, if asymptomatic, does not appear to significantly compromise performance.

Soft-Tissue Gas Can Signify Life-Threatening Conditions.

The appearance of gas on a diagnostic image usually grabs the immediate attention of an orthopaedist. Gas in the soft tissues can arise from gas-forming infectious organisms or from mechanical abnormalities caused by degenerative conditions or injuries. As this month’s “Case Connections” makes clear, when gas is observed in tissue, it’s crucial for clinicians to make early and definitive determinations of etiology, because some infections associated with this phenomenon can be very lethal very quickly. In the May 27, 2015 edition of JBJS Case Connector, Sakamoto et al. report on a thirty-three-year-old woman with a three-month history of shoulder pain who turned out to have a not-very-serious gas-containing ganglion cyst. Physical examination revealed moderate infraspinatus muscle atrophy. Radiographs appeared normal, but MRI showed a gas-containing cyst at the spinoglenoid notch that extended toward the posterosuperior aspect of the glenoid labrum. Nerve conduction studies revealed delayed conduction of the suprascapular nerve and decreased voluntary electrical potentials in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Results of blood work were not suggestive of an inflammatory condition. After three months of conservative treatment, the pain and nerve dysfunction persisted, and the patient underwent open cyst excision and arthroscopic evaluation. The authors’ decision to do an open excision was based on concern that their patient’s condition might have had an infectious etiology. Arthroscopy revealed a partial detachment of the posterosuperior labrum from the glenoid, and the surgeons arthroscopically debrided the …