Association between rotator cuff abnormalities and reduced acromiohumeral distance

Publication

Association between rotator cuff abnormalities and reduced acromiohumeral distance

Journal Paper/Review - Aug 1, 2006

Saupe Nadja, Pfirrmann Christian W A, Schmid Marius R, Jost Bernhard, Werner Clement M L, Zanetti Marco

Citation

Saupe N, Pfirrmann C, Schmid M, Jost B, Werner C, Zanetti M. Association between rotator cuff abnormalities and reduced acromiohumeral distance. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2006; 187:376-82.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

AJR Am J Roentgenol 2006; 187

Publication Date

Aug 1, 2006

Issn Electronic

1546-3141

Pages

376-82

Brief description/objective

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between rotator cuff abnormalities and reduced acromiohumeral distance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Acromiohumeral distance was measured on conventional radiographs and on MR images. Three age- and sex-matched patient groups each including 21 patients were stratified according to acromiohumeral distance on conventional radiographs (group 1, 10 mm). Acromiohumeral distance was related to the presence, location, and size of a rotator cuff tear and the degree of fatty degeneration of the muscle assessed on MR arthrography. The relative influence on acromiohumeral distance of the various MR arthrographic findings was assessed. Spearman's rank correlation and stepwise regression were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS
In group 1 (acromiohumeral distance
CONCLUSION
Tendon tears and fatty muscle degeneration in the rotator cuff correlate with reduced acromiohumeral distance. Size of rotator cuff tear and degree of fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus muscle have the most pronounced influence on acromiohumeral distance.