Anatomical Characteristics Of The Greater Tuberosity In Evaluating Different Types Of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears

Objective:The purpose of this study was to explore the distinction and relation of the greater tuberosity in different types of chronic rotator cuff tears.Methods:This study retrospectively assessed 158 patients diagnosed with chronic rotator cuff tears(including bursal-side,articular-side and full-thickness rotator cuff tears)and40 controls diagnosed without rotator cuff tears by magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulders.Magnetic resonance images were used to evaluate the type of rotator cuff tears.Oblique coronal sections were used to measure the greater tuberosity abduction angle,greater tuberosity width index,and greater tuberosity height index.Result:The greater tuberosity abduction angles in patients with articular-side and full-thickness rotator cuff tears were smaller than those of patients with bursal-side rotator cuff tears and the controls.Greater tuberosity width indices and greatertuberosity height indices were present in greater proportions in patients with articular-side and full-thickness rotator cuff tears than in the patients with bursal-side rotator cuff tears and controls.There was no significant difference between the articular-side and full-thickness cuff tears regarding greater tuberosity abduction angle,greater tuberosity width indices,or greater tuberosity height indices.The same was true between bursal-side rotator cuff tears and the controls.Conclusion:The onset and progression of chronic articular-side and full-thickness rotator cuff tears may relate to the anatomical characteristics of the greater tuberosity.