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Findings link acromion spurs with full-thickness cuff tears
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Full-thickness cuff tears were associated with the presence of an acromion spur, and a higher acromial index and critical shoulder angle. However, a higher acromial index and critical shoulder angle were not associated with partial tears, according to results.
Based on sonographic examination, researchers categorized 166 patients who presented with non-traumatic unilateral shoulder pain into a degenerative full-thickness tear cohort (group 1), partial thickness bursal tear cohort (group 2) or normal cuff cohort (group 3).
Vivek Pandey
Results showed a strong association between the presence of an acromial spur and a full-thickness cuff tear. Researchers found a statistically significant difference between the means of group 1 and group 3, as revealed by the acromial index and critical shoulder angle. However, researchers found no statistically significant differences between group 1 and group 2 in means of acromial index, as well as between group 2 and group 3 in means of acromial index and critical shoulder angle.
According to results of the receiver operating characteristic curve, critical shoulder angle had a higher area vs. acromial index. Researchers found critical shoulder angle and a spur were confirmed to be stronger predictors of a full-thickness cuff tear by stepwise logistic regression, while acromial index was rejected as a cuff tear predictor. Overall, the Bigliani acromial type had no association with rotator cuff tear, according to results. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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