Cysts within and adjacent to the lesser tuberosity: correlation with shoulder arthroscopy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Shoulder Arthroscopy

Background:

• Lesser tuberosity cysts are incidental findings during shoulder arthroscopy.
• The association between these cysts and rotator cuff pathology requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if cysts in or adjacent to the lesser tuberosity correlate with rotator cuff pathology identified during arthroscopy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 286 shoulder arthroscopy MRIs.
• Two musculoskeletal radiologists independently assessed for lesser tuberosity cysts.
• Cysts categorized as within or adjacent to the lesser tuberosity.

Main Results:

• 26 patients had lesser tuberosity cysts.
• Cysts within the lesser tuberosity were associated with older age and subscapularis tendon tears (Reader 1).
• Inter-reader agreement for cyst detection ranged from fair to near-perfect.

Conclusions:

• Lesser tuberosity cysts, especially those within the bone, suggest subscapularis tendon pathology.
• These cysts may be more prevalent in older individuals.
• Findings aid in the interpretation of imaging and arthroscopic findings in shoulder pathology.