Sarcopenia Is Associated With Increased Risks of Rotator Cuff Tendon Diseases Among Community-Dwelling Elders: A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Ultrasound Study

Abstract

Backgrounds: Recently, the association between sarcopenia and various musculoskeletal disorders, such as lumbar spine stenosis and fibromyalgia, has been highlighted. However, the relationship between sarcopenia and rotator cuff tendon diseases has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate whether sarcopenia was associated with shoulder pain and to determine whether rotator cuff tendons differed in echotexture between the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic populations.Methods: The thickness and echogenicity ratio of the tendon vs. the overlying muscle (ERTM) or subcutaneous tissue (ERTT) were measured using high-resolution ultrasonography in 56 sarcopenic patients and 56 sex- and age- matched controls. The association between ultrasound measurements of the rotator cuff tendon complex and sarcopenia was investigated using the generalized estimating equation (GEE).Results: The sarcopenic group had an increased prevalence of shoulder pain. Based on the GEE analysis, sarcopenia was significantly associated with an increase in supraspinatus tendon thickness (β coefficient = 0.447, p < 0.001) and a decrease in the ERTM for the biceps long head and rotator cuff tendons. A negative trend of association was observed between sarcopenia and ERTT in the supraspinatus tendons (β coefficient = −0.097, p = 0.070). Nevertheless, sarcopenia was not associated with an increased risk of rotator cuff tendon tears.Conclusions: Patients with sarcopenia have a higher risk of shoulder pain. A consistent tendinopathic change develops in the supraspinatus tendons in sarcopenic patients. However, sarcopenia is less likely to be associated with serious rotator cuff pathology, such as tendon tears. Prospective cohort studies are warranted to explore the causal relationship between sarcopenia and shoulder disorders.

Suboptimal Tongue Pressure Is Associated with Risk of Malnutrition in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals

“…Low muscle mass indicated a skeletal muscle mass index less than 7.40 kg/m 2 for men and 5.14 kg/m 2 for women. In the present study, we did not use EWGSOP2 [20] for concern of comparability with other diagnostic algorithm for sarcopenia [21] and consistency with our serial studies [22][23][24].…”

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Manual Versus Specific Device Transcostal Measurements for Breathing Diaphragm Thickness by Ultrasonography in Lumbopelvic Pain Athletes

“…Several tools, such as electromyography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US) were valid and reliable for assessing static and dynamic functioning under different conditions for which the RUSI technique is considered as a non-invasive, valid, and reliable approach at rest and during activity of the trunk deep stabilizer muscles [ 11 , 12 ]. The benefits of US in musculoskeletal systems have been described for evaluating different soft tissues, such as nerves, joints, tendons, and muscles [ 13 , 14 ].…”

Sarcopenia Diagnosis: Reliability of the Ultrasound Assessment of the Tibialis Anterior Muscle as an Alternative Evaluation Tool

“…Patients affected by sarcopenia commonly need adequate and specific follow-up and tailored rehabilitative treatment [9,10]. Sarcopenia prevalence ranges from 5 to 35%, with the highest percentage occurring among elderly people [11]; moreover, patients with sarcopenia have a higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders [12]. Therefore, we highlight the incumbent need of a standardized diagnostic tool, capable of objectively discriminating and defining sarcopenia among all groups.…”