Subcoracoid impingement and subscapularis tendon: is there any truth?

Subcoracoid impingement and stenosis have been described related to anterior shoulder pain and subscapularis tendon tears, but the pathogenesis and related treatment of this condition has still not been explained properly. Variability of coracoid morphology has been described and both traumatic and iatrogenic factors can modify it. Some authors referred this to a primary narrow coracohumeral distance with different threshold values defined as increased risk factor for subscapularis and antero-superior RC tear; opposite theories stated that the stenosis is secondary to an anterosuperior translation of the humeral head toward the coracoid due to degenerative changes of the rotator cuff tendons. Limited coracoplasty can be performed when related risk factors are identified; however no clear consensus arises from specific literature review and extensive clinical and instrumental examination of the patient should be performed in order to identify specific risk factors for subscapularis tendon pathology and, subsequently, tailor the proper approach.