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Updated: May 10, 2026
06:09
Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
Pit above the lesser tuberosity in axial view radiography
Jae-Ho Cho1, Kyeong-Jin Han, Doo-Hyung Lee
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Ajou University, San 5, Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 443-721, Korea.
Summary
A pit above the lesser tuberosity on shoulder radiographs is linked to rotator cuff tears. This finding was more common in the dominant arm of patients without a history of trauma.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic imaging
- Shoulder biomechanics
- Radiographic analysis
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability.
- Radiographic findings can provide clues to the underlying pathology of shoulder conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a pit above the lesser tuberosity and rotator cuff tears.
- To compare demographic data in patients with and without this radiographic finding.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 112 patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears.
- Assessment of plain radiographs of both symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders for 17 radiological findings, including the pit above the lesser tuberosity.
- Collection of demographic and clinical data.
Main Results:
- A pit above the lesser tuberosity was significantly more frequent on radiographs of shoulders with rotator cuff tears (35.7%) compared to asymptomatic shoulders (24.1%).
- The presence of this pit was associated with the dominant arm and a history of less trauma.
Conclusions:
- A pit above the lesser tuberosity on axial radiographs is associated with rotator cuff tears.
- This radiographic finding is more prevalent in the dominant arm of patients with no prior trauma history.
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