Purpose
To define the length and the width of the rotator cuff tendons in a healthy Caucasian population undergoing 1.5T MRI of the shoulder
Methods and Materials
Three group of patients were included in the present study according to their age:
G1 (54 patients,
mean age 32 years,
range 20-40; male:female=37:17; right shoulders:left shoulders=33:21);
G2 (54 patients,
mean age 51 years,
range 41-60; male:female=31:23; right shoulders:left shoulders =25:29);
G3 (54 patients,
mean age 68 years,
range 61-80; male:female=25:29; right shoulders:left shoulders =33:21).
All subjects underwent a MRI scan of the shoulder (1.5 T,
Siemens Somaton Sensation,
Germany).
On the TSE T2-weigthed coronal sequences,
the width (medial to lateral) and the height (cranio-caudal)...
Results
Mean SSPT width was 4 mm (range 2.5-6) in G1,
3.7 mm (range 2-5) in G2 and 3.7 mm (range 2.5-5.5) in G3.
Mean SSPT length was 43.4 mm (range 32.5-55.5) in G1,
44.3 mm (range 36-58.5) in G2 and 46.7mm (range 37-57.5) in G3.
Mean SSCT width was 3.7 mm (range 3-5) in G1, 3.7 mm (range 2-5) in G2 and 3.8 mm (range 2.5-5) in G3.
Mean SSCT length was 49 mm (range 38.5-61) in G1,
49.1 mm (range 40-59) in G2 and...
Conclusion
A consistent pattern of difference was noted between tendons of the rotator cuff in terms of width and length; in particular a significant difference was found between groups in terms of SSPT thickness and length,
ISPT thickness and length and SSCT length.
These results may serve as a guide for evaluation of rotator cuff tears and repair.
References
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Anatomy and dimensions of rotator cuff insertions.
Dugas JR,
Campbell DA,
Warren RF,
Robie BH,
Millett PJ.
J Shoulder Elbow Surg.
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