The Buford Complex Redefined: A Pathologic Morphology in Sheep's Clothing

Considered a normal anatomic variant, the Buford complex has not been studied in children.

A Buford complex is not a normal anatomic variant and would, therefore, be present at a lower rate than that seen in the adult population.

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Measurements were recorded from magnetic resonance imaging performed over 13 years in children aged ≤11 years for various pathologies unrelated to glenohumeral instability. Interrater reliability was determined to identify Buford complexes, sublabral foramens and tears, and normal shoulders via 16 preadolescent and adolescent patients with confirmed arthroscopic correlation. The Buford complex and labral foramen rates were then compared with a published rate in adults using a binomial probability test.

A total of 122 children (62 girls; mean age, 6.4 years [age range, 2 months-10.9 years]) were evaluated. Interrater reliability was 0.846 (95% CI, 0.56-1) to identify anterosuperior labral variants. The expected sublabral foramen count was 23 children, but only 1 was identified (P < .001). The expected Buford complex count was 8 children, but none could be identified (P < .001).

The absence of Buford complexes and the significant reduction in sublabral foramen abundance in younger children suggest that these anatomic variants are more likely to be developmental than congenital. The distinct possibility that these previously considered normal variants are truly pathologic findings cannot be ignored. Evidence of a Buford complex could potentially signify an underlying, long-term shoulder instability issue to the treating provider that warrants further investigation or management.