A new method for measurement of subcoracoid outlet and its relationship to rotator cuff pathology at MR arthrography

Abstract

Our results support orthopaedic studies that have shown that the vertical distance between the coracoid tip and the supraglenoid tubercle increases the incidence and risk of rotator cuff disease by altering the shape of the subcoracoid outlet.

Magnetic resonance imaging based coracoid morphology and its associations with subscapularis tears: a new index

“…This correlates with the study by Porter et al. 16 suggesting that the inferior projection of the coracoid is associated with cuff pathology. The present study has the benefit of only including subscapularis tendon tears that require surgery, which have been confirmed intra-operatively.…”

“…The sagittal coraco-glenoid angle was also statically significantly different between groups (p < 0.0001), with a smaller angle indicating more inferior and less anterior projection of the coracoid from the anterior Glenoid rim. This correlates with the study by Porter et al 16 suggesting that the inferior projection of the coracoid is associated with cuff pathology. The present study has the benefit of only including subscapularis tendon tears that require surgery, which have been confirmed intraoperatively.…”

“…The sagittal coraco–glenoid angle has not been investigated before but, as discussed, is similar to the novel index of Porter et al. 16 The axial coraco–glenoid angle was smaller in the subscapularis tear group, which is in keeping with the original description of Gerber et al. 6…”

“…One previous article has assessed the coraco–humeral space in the sagittal plane, and focused on the vertical distance between the supraglenoid tubercle and the coracoid tip. 16 It found that, the greater the inferior projection of the coracoid from the supraglenoid tubercle, the more likely there was to be a radiological rotator cuff tear. A higher association was found with supraspinatus lesions (53%) than with subscapularis lesions (42%).…”

“…Plain X-ray, CT and MRI have all been used to assess the subcoracoid space. [15][16][17][18][19][20] X-ray gives an overview but, because of the complex shape of the coracoid, specific indices of its morphology have poor interobserver error. 17 Bony anatomy of the coracoid process is visualized well using CT.…”