• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between the degree of torn rotator cuff as recorded by MRI and degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity of humerus determined by simple radiographs. Materials and Methods: Of the 518 cases included in this study, a group of 234 cases had a chronic rotator cuff tear and a control group of 284 cases had an intact rotator cuff in shoulder MRI. The degree of degenerative changes was classified according to the length of spur and morphological change of acromion and greater tuberosity through the true anteroposterior simple radiograph in supraspinatus outlet view. The degree of tear (partial-thickness or full-thickness tear) and the size of complete rotator cuff tear were analyzed according to the MRI findings of shoulder. The authors also evaluated the correlation between the degree and size of torn rotator cuff and the degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity. Results: There were significant differences in the size and extent of torn rotator cuff according to the age, sex and degenerative change of acromion and greater tuberosity of humerus (p<0.001). More degenerative changes of acromion and greater tuberosity in simple shoulder radiographs showed the increased degree and size of torn rotator cuff (p<0.001). In addition, the higher degree and larger size of torn rotator cuff were noted in older age subjects (p<0.001) and in the female group (p<0.001). Conclusion: More degenerative changes of acromion and greater tuberosity in simple shoulder radiographs showed the increased degree and size of torn rotator cuff. Therefore, if a high degree of degenerative change of the acromion and greater tuberosity on simple radiograph is noted, the possibility of degenerative rotator cuff tear should be considered. In addition, the age and sex could be associative factors for larger size of torn rotator cuff.