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Subscapularis tendon length linked with partial tendon tearing
Results from this retrospective imaging study indicated tendon tearing in continuity and muscle retraction in patients with partial tears of the subscapularis tendon, underscoring the potential use of tendon length to determine its integrity.
Researchers retrospectively identified 92 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for suspected rotator cuff tears and had undergone MR arthrography 3 months prior to the procedure. Investigators identified the myotendinous junction, subscapularis tendon and muscle length. A musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologists reviewed the images and assessed subscapularis tendon integrity.
Results showed 43 patients had an intact subscapularis tendon, 21 patients had tendinopathy with no tendon disinsertion and 28 patients had partial disinsertion of the tendon. Investigators noted the partial tear cases had a mean subscapularis length and mean muscle length of 53 mm and 95 mm, respectively. The intact tendon group had a mean subscapularis length of 40 mm and a mean muscle length of 105 mm, and the tendinopathy cases had a mean subscapularis length of 45 mm and a mean muscle length of 94 mm.
“Partial tears of the subscapularis tendon lead to muscle shortening by approximately 10% and elongation of the tendon by approximately 32%, which may be interpreted as muscle retraction and a tendon rupture in continuity,” the authors wrote. “If the subscapularis tendon has an apparent length of greater than 60 mm, the probability of a tear is 98%.” ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Meyer reports he has stock or stock options in Mestex AG, Zürich. He is also a member of the editorial or governing board for Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine and is an unpaid consultant for Synthes.