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Subscapularis tendon tear: primary and associated signs on MRI
G A Tung1, D C Yoo, S M Levine
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Brown University School of Medicine and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA. gtung@lifespan.org
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|May 15, 2001
Summary
Subscapularis tendon tears are often missed on MRI. Recognizing subtle signs in the tendon
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic imaging
- Musculoskeletal radiology
Background:
- Subscapularis tendon tears are a common cause of shoulder pain.
- Accurate diagnosis of subscapularis tears is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings indicative of subscapularis tendon tears.
- To improve the diagnostic accuracy of subscapularis tears on MRI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 16 patients with surgically confirmed subscapularis tears.
- Analysis of preoperative MRI interpretations and the MRI studies themselves.
- Comparison of high-field and low-field MRI findings.
Main Results:
- Subscapularis tears were frequently missed on preoperative MRI (31% diagnosis rate).
- Retrospective review revealed primary tear signs in 94% of cases, often localized to the tendon's cranial third.
- Associated findings such as supraspinatus tears (69%) and biceps tendon abnormalities were common (94%).
Conclusions:
- Subscapularis tendon tears are often underdiagnosed on MRI.
- Key diagnostic indicators include subtle signs in the cranial third of the tendon and associated findings.
- Increased awareness of these signs can improve MRI diagnostic accuracy for subscapularis tears.