The effect of reduced acromiohumeral distance and increased acromial thickness on the risk of rotator cuff tear

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of reduced acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and increased acromial thickness (AT) on the risk of rotator cuff tear (RCT). Methods: Patients aged 25-70 were included in this retrospective study. Patients who were operated on for RCT between January 2019 and December 2021 were included in group 1, and patients who applied to the outpatient clinic in the same period with a complaint of shoulder pain and no problem on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in group 2. Three researchers performed AHD and AT measurements on the same true anteroposterior (AP) shoulder radiographs. The second measurement was performed 1 month later when, the first measurements were completed. Results: Radiographs of 284 patients in group 1 and 234 patients in group 2 were evaluated. In group 1, the mean AHD measurement was 8.25 ± 1.73 mm, and the AT measurement was 8.58 ± 1.06 mm. In group 2, the mean AHD measurement was 10.25 ± 1.4 mm, and the AT measurement was 8.35 ± 0.92 mm. A significant relationship was determined between the RCT and the AHD ( P < .001). Also, RCT and AT have a significant relationship ( P < .001). The authors determined that the risk of RCT increased 3.45 times when patients with AHD 6-10 mm were compared with patients with AHD >10 mm. In addition, all patients with AHD < 6mm had RCT, and the risk of RCT increased 1.42 times when patients with AT > 8 mm were compared with patients with AT < 8 mm. Conclusion: Acromiohumeral distance and AT measurements are practical, inexpensive, and valuable in evaluating RCT. Decreased AHD and increased AT increase the risk of RCT. Level of Evidence: Level III, Diagnostic Study.