Relationship between scapular body morphology and rotator cuff tears: a threedimensional computed tomography study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between scapula morphology and rotator cuff tears (RCT).

Methods: Hundred seventeen shoulders with and 87 shoulders without RCTs were included in this retrospective study. The critical shoulder angle (CSA) and lateral acromion angle in the coronal view, and the acromial coverage angle (ACA) and coracoid and scapular spine angle (CSSA) in the sagittal view were evaluated using 3-dimensional computed tomography. The glenoid anterior tilt, anterior acromial projection angle (AAPA), coracoid process angle, scapular spine angle (SSA), and inferior angle angle (IAA) with respect to the scapular plane were measured in the sagittal view.

Results: In univariate logistic regression analysis, CSA, ACA, AAPA, SSA, and IAA were significantly greater in shoulders with RCTs, whereas CSSA was greater in shoulders without RCTs. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, CSA and IAA were greater in shoulders with RCT and were significantly associated with this condition (P=.00073, P=.0032).

Conclusion: This study has shown us that RCTs were associated with a greater curvature of the scapular body and greater CSA and IAA.

Level of Evidence: Level III, Diagnostic study.