Is Shoulder Impingement One of the Reasons for Elastofibroma Dorsi ? Radiological and Clinical Analysis of 13...

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a rare benign soft tissue tumour that usually occurs in the subscapular region of the back. Clinical presentation often includes the presence of a painless, slowly growing mass in the infrascapular region, which may be accompanied by shoulder discomfort or restricted movement.

This study aimed to contribute to the existing literature on the long-term outcomes of Elastofibroma dorsi by examining a series of 13 patients' clinical features, imaging data, demographical data, and pre- and post-operative functional scores and also to investigate the relation between Elastofibroma dorsi and shoulder impingement.

We have retrospectively analysed the radiological, clinical, demographical, and functional data of 13 patients from a single centre. Ipsilateral shoulder X-rays are examined for shoulder impingement using radiological parameters such as acromiohumeral distance, lateral acromial angle, and acromial index. The functional scores, including Constant Score, Q-Dash, and VAS were evaluated.

There were 13 patients (9 females and 4 males) with a mean age of 59.9 years (range 53-68 years). The mean follow-up was 65.6 months (range 11-131 months). The tumour side was right in 6 (46%) patients and left in 5 (38%) patients, and the tumour was diagnosed bilaterally in 2 patients (15%). The pre-operatively mean Constant Score was 67.3 and improved to 85 post-operatively (p < 0.001). Pre-operatively, the mean quick-DASH score was 35.3 and improved to 15, 5 post-operatively (p < 0.001). Pre-operatively, the mean VAS score was 5.4 (range 0-10) and improved to 1.69 (range 0-5) post-operatively (p < 0.001). Pre-operatively, the mean flexion value was 137.7° and improved to 161.2°.

Our results show that shoulder impingement due to acromion abnormality could be relevant to scapulothoracic dyskinesia and ED. Further studies are needed to reveal the exact etiopathogenesis of ED.