Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Volume 105, Issue 2 , Pages 132-138, 2006

Imaging Factors Related to Rotator Cuff Tear in Patients with Deltoid Contracture

  • Jih-Yang Ko

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Dr. Jih-Yang Ko, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, 123, Ta Pei Road, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Department of Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Received 30 December 2004; received in revised form 21 February 2005; accepted 7 June 2005.

Article Outline

Background

Bony deformity and muscular malfunction around the shoulder induced by deltoid contracture may influence rotator cuff function and lead to subsequent tearing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the imaging and clinical factors related to rotator cuff tear in patients with deltoid contracture.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 48 shoulders in 44 patients with magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of deltoid contracture and surgically-proven rotator cuff tear. These shoulders were subdivided into partial-thickness and full-thickness tear groups. Another 17 shoulders in 17 patients with deltoid contracture but no evident rotator cuff tear were included as the control group. The characteristics, including age, gender and imaging features, of these three groups were compared.

Results

Two patients who underwent initial operations for cuff tears required secondary operations for distal release of deltoid contracture. The age of patients with full-thickness tear was significantly greater than that of patients with partial-thickness tear or without tear. The winging angle of the glenoid (WAG) in the full-thickness tear group was significantly greater than that in the partial-thickness tear group. Patients with partial-thickness tear also had greater WAG than those without tear. However, WAG was not significantly correlated with the fibrotic size or age of the patient.

Conclusion

In patients with deltoid contracture, age and WAG are associated with the development of rotator cuff tear. To prevent the occurrence of rotator cuff tear, early surgical release of deltoid contracture is highly recommended, especially in patients with greater WAG.

Key Words:  deltoid contracture , magnetic resonance imaging , rotator cuff tear

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PII: S0929-6646(09)60334-X

doi:10.1016/S0929-6646(09)60334-X

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Volume 105, Issue 2 , Pages 132-138, 2006

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