Open AccessDistance between the supraspinatus and long head of the biceps tendon on sagittal MRI: a new tool to identify anterior supraspinatus insertion injury
Author(s) -
Yin Lifeng,
Zhang Hua,
Kong Yangang,
Zhang Xinyu,
Yan Wenlong,
Zhang Jian
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of experimental orthopaedics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2197-1153
DOI - 10.1186/s40634-021-00410-6
Subject(s) - rotator cuff , medicine , sagittal plane , supraspinatus muscle , biceps , magnetic resonance imaging , tendon , anatomy , rotator cuff injury , biceps tendon , orthopedic surgery , receiver operating characteristic , nuclear medicine , radiology , surgery
Purpose Anterior insertion of the supraspinatus muscle plays an essential role in rotator cuff tissue. We aimed to determine whether the distance between the midpoints of the supraspinatus central tendon and long head of the biceps tendon on a sagittal shoulder magnetic resonance imaging scan can help to preoperatively diagnose an injury of the anterior insertion of the supraspinatus. Method This retrospective study reviewed 103 patients with a full‐thickness supraspinatus tendon tear: 50 patients with (injured group) and 53 patients without (intact group) anterior supraspinatus insertion tear. The inter‐tendon distance was measured based on an oblique sagittal magnetic resonance imaging scan. SPSS was used for statistical analyses. Two independent samples t‐test and receiver operating curve analysis were also performed. Results The measurements of inter‐tendon distance revealed good intra‐ and inter‐observer reliabilities with intra‐class correlation coefficients of 0.92 and 0.97, respectively. The inter‐tendon distance of the injured group was significantly greater than that of the intact group (10.1 ± 2.7 vs 8.0 ± 2.3 mm, P < 0.001). The diagnostic ability of the inter‐tendon distance was fair (area under the curve = 0.745), and a threshold of 9 mm had a specificity of 73% and sensitivity of 74%. Conclusion The distance between the supraspinatus central tendon and long head of the biceps tendon on magnetic resonance imaging was greater in patients with anterior supraspinatus insertion injury than those without the injury. A distance of 9 mm may be the cut‐off value and a good diagnosis marker for anterior supraspinatus insertion injury. Level of evidence Level III, diagnostic case–control study.