Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Arthroscopic Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Whole Rotator Cable Reconstruction Using Proximal Biceps Tendon Autograft
Published on: June 6, 2025
Relationship between coracoacromial arch and rotator cuff analysed by a computer-assisted method
Daniela Casino1, Danilo Bruni, Stefano Zaffagnini
1Laboratorio di Biomeccanica, Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy. d.casino@biomec.ior.it
Background:
In this paper we describe and assess the feasibility of a computer-assisted method which could be useful to investigate the mechanism of subacromial impingment of the shoulder.
Methods:
The relationship between the infraspinatus and supraspinatus and the coracoacromial (CA) arch during passive elevation and abduction are described. The methodology is based on the use of a tracker for recording surfaces and passive movements and data elaboration using dedicated software.
Results:
In four cadavers, we observed that the minimal distances between the rotator cuff insertions and CA arch were realized at 45 degrees abduction between the acromion and infraspinatus, at 50-90 degrees elevation between the acromion and supraspinatus and also at 45-70 degrees abduction between the CA ligament and supraspinatus. This study showed that the proposed method is able to provide repeatable kinematic data (ICC > or = 0.90), numerical anatomical data comparable with the literature and, moreover, individual measurements on the shoulder joint.
Conclusions:
This preliminary results support the extension of the methodology to an in vivo protocol to be used during computer-assisted arthroscopic surgery.
