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Critical shoulder angle: Measurement reproducibility and correlation with rotator cuff tendon tears
L Cherchi1, J F Ciornohac1, J Godet2
1Service de chirurgie de l'épaule et du coude, Centre de chirurgie orthopédique et de la main, CHRU de Strasbourg, avenue Baumann, 76400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.
Summary
A higher critical shoulder angle (CSA) is linked to rotator cuff tears (RCTs). This anatomical difference is reproducible, aiding in diagnosing RCTs using standard X-rays and a goniometer.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are associated with specific acromial and glenoid morphologies.
- The critical shoulder angle (CSA) quantifies these combined anatomical factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the association between a high CSA and RCTs.
- To evaluate the reproducibility of CSA measurements using a goniometer.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study including 28 patients with RCTs and 27 patients with anterior labral repair.
- Two surgeons measured CSA using a goniometer.
- Reproducibility assessed via Bland-Altman plots and Pearson's correlation.
Main Results:
- Mean CSA was significantly higher in the RCT group (36.4°) compared to the labral repair group (33.3°).
- Intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility were high (96.7% and 95.5%, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Results support that a greater CSA is associated with RCTs.
- CSA measurement is a reproducible method to assess this anatomical difference on radiographs.
