Relation between critical shoulder angle and degenerative rotator cuff tear: A cross sectional MRI study

Abstract

Background: The critical shoulder angle (CSA) has been reported to be associated with rotator cuff disease and has been suggested one of the parameter for rotator cuffs. This study aims to describe the correlation between critical shoulder angle and degenerative rotator cuff tear. Methods: Three hundred participants were recruited among which two hundred and sixteen participants were included in this study who were evaluated with MRI scans. Patients with degenerative rotator cuff tear were divided into partial rotator cuff tear group and complete rotator cuff tear group who were evaluated with MRI scans to measure the critical shoulder angle parameter. Statistical Analysis: The relation between comparison of partial group and complete group with CSA (degrees) were analysed by Mann- Whitney U test. The results showed positive correlation between CSA and rotator cuff tear which were statistically significant p35°) correlates with degenerative rotator cuff tear specifically in complete tear group. So based on the results we can conclude that CSA maybe used as one of the clinical parameter in assessing the rotator cuff tear size specifically supraspinatus tear.