Cystic changes at supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon insertion sites: association with age and rotator cuff disorders in 238 patients

PURPOSE: To retrospectively determine the frequency of posterior and anterior cystic abnormalities at rotator cuff insertion site on the greater tuberosity and to determine their relationship to patient age and rotator cuff disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was given; informed consent was waived. The study was HIPAA compliant. In 238 patients with rotator cuff diagnoses at surgery, preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies were reviewed to localize osseous cystic changes as anterior (supraspinatus insertion site) or posterior (infraspinatus insertion site) on the greater tuberosity. If rotator cuff tear was present, tendon retraction and location of partial tear (articular or bursal surface) were recorded. Two radiologists reached conclusions by consensus. Locations of cysts were correlated to surgical cuff diagnoses: no tear, tendinopathy, partial-thickness tear, and complete tear. Prospective interpretations from original MR reports were compared with surgical results. Statistical analyses included one-way analysis of variance, chi(2), Fisher exact, and Student t tests, as well as logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve comparison. RESULTS: There were 238 consecutive patients (150 men, 88 women; mean age, 43 years). Cysts were located at or near footprint of cuff tendon and demonstrated fluid or soft-tissue signal intensities. Posterior cysts occurred in 56.7% of shoulders and showed no statistical correlation to age or cuff diagnosis. Anterior cysts occurred in 22.7% of shoulders and were strongly associated with cuff disorders (P<.001). Controlling for cuff disorders, there was no relationship between anterior cysts and age (P>.50). Anterior cysts were more common in partial-thickness articular (48%) than in bursal (13%) tears (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Posterior cysts were more common than anterior cysts and showed nearly random distribution among patients, regardless of age and cuff diagnosis. Anterior cysts were closely associated with cuff disorders.     

MR evaluation of subscapularis tears.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to describe the MR appearance of tears of the subscapularis tendon and compare the usefulness of different imaging planes as well as note the association of subscapularis tears with other rotator cuff tears and biceps tendon dislocations. METHOD: MR studies at 1.5 T over an 8 year interval were retrospectively assessed for the presence of a rotator cuff tear and/or tear of the subscapularis tendon. Images that showed a subscapularis tear were reviewed for the presence of a visible tear separately on the axial, coronal, and sagittal images. The MR studies were also evaluated for associated tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles as well as biceps tendon dislocation and the "naked humerus sign" on coronal images. Last, clinical records and surgical reports were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-five (2%) of 2,167 rotator cuff tears involved the subscapularis; 27% were partial and 73% were complete tears. Tears were best seen in the sagittal oblique plane. Almost all subscapularis tears were an extension of typical rotator cuff tears: supraspinatus in 35 patients (79%), extending into infraspinatus tears in 25 (56%) and into teres minor tears in 2 patients (4%). Bicipital dislocations were seen in 22 patients (49%), and three complete tears of the biceps (7%) were noted as well. The naked humerus sign was demonstrated in 31 patients (69%). Surgical reports that confirmed the MR findings were available for 15 patients. CONCLUSION: About 2% of rotator cuff tears involve the subscapularis tendon. Most subscapularis tears are extensions of supraspinatus tears and frequently involve the biceps tendon.     

Rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic individuals: a clinical and ultrasonographic screening study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical impact of rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sonographic examinations of the shoulder of 212 asymptomatic individuals between 18 and 85 years old were performed by a single experienced operator. The prevalence and location of complete rotator cuff tears were evaluated. The clinical assessment was based on the Constant Score. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder was obtained in those patients where US showed rotator cuff pathology. RESULTS: Ultrasound showed a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon in 6% of 212 patients from 56 to 83 years of age (mean: 67 years). MRI confirmed a complete rupture of the supraspinatus tendon in 90%. All patients reported no functional deficits, although strength was significantly lower in the patient group with complete supraspinatus tendon tear (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There is a higher prevalence in older individuals of rotator cuff tendon tears that cause no pain or decrease in activities of daily living.     

Creatinine and nonprotein nitrogen plasma levels: possible etiopathogenetic factors in rotator cuff tears

Objective: To determine the plasma levels of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) and creatinine in healthy patients with rotator cuff tears. Methods: The study included 400 subjects. The study group included 200 patients (93 men and 107 women; mean age, 56.8 years; range, 23-81 years) who underwent arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear from 2004 to 2007. The control group included 200 patients (93 men and 107 women; mean age, 53.9 years; range, 20-81 years) who underwent arthroscopy for management of a meniscal tear, with or without articular cartilage damage, in the same period. The 2 groups were frequency-matched by age and sex. Measurement of plasma levels of NPN and creatinine were performed in all patients. Results: Patients with rotator cuff tears showed higher plasma NPN levels within the normal range (P = 0.035) than patients with knee disorders (control group). Creatinine levels were comparable (P = 0.66) in both groups. Conclusion: There appears to be an association between plasma NPN levels and rotator cuff tears. On the basis of our findings, plasma NPN could be involved in the pathogenesis of rotator cuff tears, although we advocate further research to draw more definitive conclusions.     

Anterior versus posterior, and rim-rent rotator cuff tears: prevalence and MR sensitivity

Purpose. To determine the relative distribution of the locations of rotator cuff tears, and the sensitivity of anterior versus posterior tears on MR images. Patients and methods. We identified 110 consecutive patients who had a shoulder MR and either a partial-thickness or a small full-thickness rotator cuff tear diagnosed at arthroscopy. From the arthroscopy videotapes, we classified the tears as centered in the anterior or posterior half of the cuff, and as either in the critical zone or adjacent to the bony insertion. The original MR interpretation was compared with the arthroscopic findings. MR sensitivity and patient age were compared between patients with tears in the anterior and posterior halves of the cuff. In addition, in patients with partial tears less than 2 cm in diameter, an age comparison between those with tears in the critical zone and those with articular surface tears adjacent to the bony insertion (rim-rent tear) was performed. Results. The tear was centered in the anterior half of the rotator cuff in 79% of the patients younger than 36 years old, and in 89% of the patients 36 years old and over. The average age of the patients with tears in the anterior half (44 years) was not significantly different from the average age of those with posterior tears (40 years)(P=0.23). The sensitivity of MR for anterior tears was 0.69, and for posterior tears it was 0.56 (P=0.17). The average age of the 9 patients with rim-rent tears was 31 years, while that of the 28 patients with similarly-sized partial tears not involving the insertion was 40 years old (P=0.048). Five of the nine rim-rent tears (0.56) were interpreted correctly on the original MR report; two of the other tears were misinterpreted as intratendinous fluid but were diagnosable in retrospect. Conclusion. Even in patients less than 36 years old, most partial and small full-thickness rotator cuff tears are centered in the anterior half of the supraspinatus. Although our figure for MR sensitivity for these tears is lower than in recent articles, we found no significant difference between the sensitivity of MR for diagnosing posterior tears versus tears in the anterior half of the supraspinatus tendon. Rim-rent tears can be mistaken for intratendinous signal, and should be carefully looked for in younger patients with shoulder pain.     

The coracoacromial arch: MR evaluation and correlation with rotator cuff pathology

The relative prevalence of various acromial shapes, appearance of the coracoacromial ligament and enthesophytes along the inferior aspect of the acromioclavicular joint in patients with and without rotator cuff tears were evaluated. Of 76 patients with clinical instability and impingement, 31 had a normal rotator cuff and 45 demonstrated a partial or full tear of the supraspinatus tendon at surgery. Results were compared with those from magnetic resonance (MR) scans of 57 asymptomatic volunteers. Of the 45 patients with a supraspinatus tear, 38% (17) had a flat acromial undersurface (type I), 40% (18) had a concave acromial undersurface (type II), 18% (8) had an anteriorly hooked acromion (type III), and 4% (2) had an inferiorly convex acromion (type IV). Among the 31 patients with a normal rotator cuff at surgery and the 57 asymptomatic volunteers, the respective prevalences of the type I acromion were 39% (12) and 44% (25), of type II 48% (15) and 35% (20), type III 3% (1) and 12% (7), and type IV 10% (3) and 9% (5). Shoulders with surgically proven rotator cuff tears showed a tendential association with a type III acromion (8/45) and statistically significant associations with a thickened coracoacromial ligament (17/45) and acromioclavicular enthesophytes (18/45). For the association between inferiorly directed acromioclavicular joint enthesophytes and rotator cuff tears, age appears to be a confounding factor. The type IV acromion, newly classified by this study, does not have a recognizable association with rotator cuff tears. Assessment of the osseous-ligamentous coracoacromial outlet by may prove helpful to the orthopedic surgeon in patients for whom surgical decompression is contemplated.     

Ultrasonography of symptomatic rotator cuff tears compared with MR imaging and surgery

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of rotator cuff tears.

Materials and methods

Ninety-six patients with clinically suspected rotator cuff pathology underwent ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder. The findings in 88 patients were compared with arthroscopy or open surgery.

Results

Full-thickness tear was confirmed in 57 cases, partial-thickness tear in 30 cases and degenerative changes without tear in 1. In all 57 cases of full-thickness tear and in 28 out of 30 cases of partial-thickness tear the supraspinatus tendon was involved. The accuracy in the detection of full-thickness tears was 98 and 100% for ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. The accuracy in the detection of bursal or articular partial-thickness tears was 87 and 90% for ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively.

Conclusions

In experienced hands ultrasonography should be considered as an accurate modality for the initial investigation of rotator cuff, especially supraspinatus, tears.     

Isolated and combined tears of the subscapularis tendon

BACKGROUND: Isolated and combined subscapularis tendon tears are rare and are described in the literature only in small numbers. HYPOTHESIS: The outcome of surgical intervention for isolated and combined subscapularis tendon tears may be influenced by the tear pattern of the anterior rotator cuff and the period of time between trauma and surgical procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Between 1994 and 1999, 34 shoulders with isolated traumatic tears (16 shoulders) or subscapularis tendon rupture combined with a supraspinatus tendon tear were treated operatively. The average patient age was 51 years, and the mean follow-up period was 37 months. For statistical analyses, the Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests were used. RESULTS: In patients with isolated tears, the Constant score rose from an average of 43.9 to 88.7 points (P < .01), and in patients with combined tears, it rose from an average of 40.6 to 74.7 points (P <.01). Isolated tears improved 14 points more than combined tears (P <.05). The delay between trauma and surgical intervention was inversely proportional to the improvement in the Constant score. The Spearman coefficient of correlation was -0.97 in isolated tears and -0.89 in combined tears. CONCLUSIONS: Young patients with isolated traumatic tears of the subscapularis tendon and immediate repair have the best prognostic factors for treatment. Accuracy in the trauma history and the clinical and radiographic examination is demanded.     

Ultrasonographic rotator-cuff changes in veteran tennis players: the effect of hand dominance and comparison with clinical findings

The aim of this study was to correlate sonographic abnormalities of the rotator cuff with clinical findings in veteran tennis players. One hundred fifty individuals playing competition-level tennis, aged from 35 to 77 years (mean age 55 years), underwent physical and US examinations of their shoulders. The US abnormalities found in the dominant shoulder were compared with those observed in the non-dominant shoulder and in different subsets of players defined by the absence or presence of former and/or current pain. Tears of the long head of the biceps tendon were seen only in dominant shoulders (n=8), and tears (23 complete and 20 partial) of the supraspinatus tendon were observed in 43 dominant vs 16 (3 complete and 13 partial) contralateral shoulders (p<0.001). Subscapularis tendon calcifications were depicted in 23 dominant vs 12 contralateral shoulders (p<0.05). Seventy players had no pain, 49 had former-but-not-current pain, and 31 had current pain. Abnormal thickening (>2 mm) and effusion of the subacromial–subdeltoid bursa and complete tear of the supraspinatus tendon were more frequent in the latter two groups (p<0.001 and p<0.05), respectively. Although 90% of the players with a complete supraspinatus tear had experienced former pain, no relationship was found between current pain and the presence of a supraspinatus tear or tendon calcification. The rotator cuff may present important asymptomatic lesions, such as complete tears of the supraspinatus tendon or calcifications, that do not prevent the playing competitive tennis. The only US abnormality associated with pain was subacromial–subdeltoid bursa effusion.     

Transosseous arthroscopic repair of partial articular-surface supraspinatus tendon tears

Partial articular-surface tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions of the supraspinatus muscle represent a common cause for shoulder impairment and a preceding pathology for full-thickness tendon tears. Arthroscopic tendon repair is a possible surgical method of treatment. The purposes of cuff repair are anatomical tendon healing, prevention of tear size progression to completion and reduction of shoulder pain. In this report, we describe a transtendon arthroscopic technique of transosseous refixation of articular-side partial tears leaving the bursal layer of the supraspinatus tendon intact. A curved hollow needle is used to perform an all arthroscopic transosseous mattress suture. Thus, anatomical tendon-to-bone contact of the rotator cuff to the footprint is restored. Preliminary clinical results of 16 patients are convincing with significant pain relief and functional improvement.     

The rotator cuff functional index

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in the clinical assessment of rotator cuff injuries, shortcomings exist in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. PURPOSE: To formulate a clinical rotator cuff functional index for predicting rotator cuff tears based on handheld dynamometer measurements for shoulder strength testing and to assess its ability to diagnose a rotator cuff tear. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Preoperative handheld dynamometer measurements, including supraspinatus, external rotation, internal rotation, adduction, and lift-off force, were compared in 100 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears (> 1.0 cm) and 100 patients with no rotator cuff injury (confirmed by arthroscopy). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the rotator cuff functional index and index for rotator cuff tear size were formulated in which 100 represented excellent rotator cuff function and less than 0 indicated a full-thickness supraspinatus tear. Each patient's index was calculated to determine its clinical value in predicting a rotator cuff tear; the Pearson correlation coefficient was established for the rotator cuff functional index for rotator cuff size. RESULTS: Two handheld dynamometer measurements predicted a rotator cuff tear (P < .001, r = 0.53), with rotator cuff functional index = 1.27 * supraspinatus (N) - 0.72 * adduction (N) - 11.6, but not tear size (r = 0.38). In predicting a rotator cuff tear (rotator cuff functional index < 0 = rotator cuff tear; rotator cuff functional index > 0 = no tear), the rotator cuff functional index had 83% sensitivity, 79% specificity, 80% positive predictive value, 82% negative predictive value, likelihood ratio of 4.0 for a positive test result and 0.2 for a negative test result and an accuracy of 81%. CONCLUSION: The 2 most useful tests for determining a rotator cuff tear with a handheld dynamometer were supraspinatus force and adduction force (as negative control). A functional index based on these measurements was able to rule out a rotator cuff tear and predict the presence but not the size of the tear.     

MR assessment of the repaired rotator cuff: prevalence, size, location, and clinical relevance of tendon rerupture

The objectives of this study were to use magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to evaluate the prevalence, size, location, and clinical relevance of tendon rerupture following complete repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tear (RCT). A total of 78 surgically proven full-thickness rotator cuff tears in 74 patients were retrospectively included in the study. Clinical assessment was performed using the University of California at Los Angeles score. Postoperative MR imaging was evaluated to determine prevalence, size, and location of tendon rerupture. At a mean 48.4 months’ follow-up, 62 shoulders (79.5%) had favorable outcomes and 45 shoulders (57.6%) showed rerupture on MR imaging studies. Reruptures were significantly more prevalent among patients with intermediate-to-bad outcomes (81.3%), with surgically demonstrated two-tendon tears (78.9%) or three-tendon tears (100%), and with preoperative fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus muscle greater than 1 (91.6%). Reruptures were also significantly larger in those subgroups. Complete repair of RCT of all sizes may have favorable outcomes in a significant proportion of patients in spite of a high prevalence of reruptures. Preoperative tear size and degree of muscle fatty degeneration influence the prevalence and rerupture size. After repair of supraspinatus tears, reruptures tend to invade the posterior aspect of the tendon.     

Clinical Y-view versus 3-dimensional assessments of intramuscular fat in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears

Rationale and Objectives.Recent evidence suggests an inhomogeneous distribution of intramuscular rotator cuff fat infiltration (FI) in a small sample of individuals with rotator cuff tears, yet clinically just a few slices at the scapular Y-view are used to evaluate FI in patients with rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to determine if assessment of FI using the scapular Y-view is representative of the entire muscle in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and whether this varies by tear size.Materials and methodsPatients (N = 25) diagnosed with full-thickness rotator cuff tear and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. Fat-water sequences were used to objectively quantify mean FI (%) in the entire 3D muscle and the mean from 3 slices at the Y-view. Mixed-model 2 × 2 ANOVAs were used to assess for differences between methods, and if results vary by tear-size.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between mean amount of FI of the entire 3D muscle and mean Y-view in the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles (p > 0.05). Additionally, this did not differ across tear size groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionResults of this study suggest FI assessed in the Y-view is not different (mean difference < 1.0%) from FI of the entire 3D muscle in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Therefore, the clinical utility of evaluating rotator cuff intramuscular fat infiltration with the Y-view is further supported in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears across tear sizes.     

Interobserver agreement in the classification of rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND: Six classification systems have been proposed for describing rotator cuff tears designed to help understand their natural history and make treatment decisions. PURPOSE: To assess the interobserver variation for these classification systems and identify the method with the best interobserver agreement. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Six rotator cuff tear classification systems were identified in a literature search. The components of these systems included partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and classification by size, shape, configuration, number of tendons involved, and by extent, topography, and nature of the biceps. Twelve fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons who each perform at least 30 rotator cuff repairs per year reviewed arthroscopy videos from 30 patients with a random assortment of rotator cuff tears and classified them by the 6 classification systems. Interobserver variation was determined by a kappa analysis. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was high when distinguishing between full-thickness and partial-thickness tears (0.95, kappa = 0.85). The investigators agreed on the side (articular vs bursal) of involvement for partial-thickness tears (observed agreement 0.92, kappa = 0.85) but could not agree when classifying the depth of the partial-thickness tear (observed agreement 0.49, kappa = 0.19). The best agreement for full-thickness tears was seen when the tear was classified by topography (degree of retraction) in the frontal plane (observed agreement 0.70, kappa = 0.54). CONCLUSION: With the exception of distinguishing partial-thickness from full-thickness rotator cuff tears and identifying the side (articular vs bursal) of involvement with partial-thickness tears, currently described rotator cuff classification systems have little interobserver agreement among experienced shoulder surgeons. Researchers should consider describing full-thickness rotator cuff tears by topography (degree of retraction) in the frontal plane.     

Rim-rent tear of the rotator cuff: a common and easily overlooked partial tear

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of rim-rent rotator cuff tears in a population of patients referred for shoulder MRI and to determine the sensitivity of MRI for the detection of these tears. CONCLUSION: Rim-rent tears are a common type of partial-thickness rotator cuff tear, much more commonly present than has been previously reported. In particular, infraspinatus rim-rent tears are more common than previously believed. Rim-rent tears of the infraspinatus tendon and those involving the anterior-most fibers of the supraspinatus tendon are commonly overlooked on MRI, possibly because of failure to appreciate the high incidence of these types of tears and failure to inspect the anterior-most fibers of the rotator cuff.     

Histopathology of rotator cuff tears

The pathogenesis of rotator cuff tears is multifactorial. Tendon abnormalities of the rotator cuff include alteration of collagen fiber structure, tenocytes, cellularity, and vascularity. Ruptured tendons show marked collagen degeneration and disordered arrangement of collagen fibers. Fibroblast population decreases as the size of the tear in the rotator cuff increases. The larger fibroblast population seen in the smaller tears is also actively proliferating and is part of an active reparative process. Inflammatory cell infiltrate correlates inversely to rotator cuff tear size in the torn supraspinatus tendon samples, with larger tears showing a marked reduction in all cell types. As tear size increase, there is also a progressive decrease in the number of blood vessels. Whether rotator cuff tear heals spontaneously is an important pathologic and clinical question. Histologic changes indicative of repair and inflammation lead to consider biological options in addition to biomechanical treatment of the rotator cuff tears.     

Contribution of full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears to acquired subcoracoid impingement

AIM: To assess the relationship between the severity of full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears and the development of subcoracoid impingement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shoulder examination reports with full-thickness supraspinatus tears were retrospectively identified and reviewed by two dedicated musculoskeletal radiologists. The appearances of the rotator cuff muscles, biceps tendon and the lesser tubercle were recorded. The acromio-humeral distance and the axial coraco-humeral distance were measured. The data were recorded and analysed electronically. RESULTS: The kappa values for inter-observer agreement were: 0.91 for acromio-humeral distance and 0.85 for coraco-humeral distance measurements. Twenty-six patients had significant retraction of the supraspinatus tendon, 85% (22 cases) of this group had imaging evidence of tear or tendonopathy of the subscapularis tendon. Twenty-five patients had no significant retraction of the supraspinatus, 56% (14 cases) of this group had imaging evidence of a subscapularis tear or tendonopathy. The acromio-humeral distance was significantly less in patients with supraspinatus tears and retraction (p<0.05). The subscapularis tendon was significantly more likely to be abnormal if the supraspinatus was retracted than if no retraction was present (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in coraco-humeral distances between the groups. CONCLUSION: Subscapularis tendon signal and structural changes are frequently associated with full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears, particularly if the supraspinatus is significantly retracted. In this static MRI series, the data do not support the occurrence of classical subcoracoid impingement as an aetiology; however, they may support the possibility of a dynamic mechanism, to which future studies could be directed.     

Trabecular microstructure and surface changes in the greater tuberosity in rotator cuff tears

OBJECTIVE: When planning surgery in patients with rotator cuff tear, strength of bone at the tendon insertion and trabecular bone structure in the greater tuberosity are usually taken into consideration. We investigated radiographic changes in bone structure of the greater tuberosity in rotator cuff tears. DESIGN: Twenty-two human cadaveric shoulders from subjects ranging from 55 to 75 years of age were obtained. The integrity of the rotator cuff was examined by sonography to determine if it is intact without any tear, or torn partially or completely. The humeral head was sectioned in 3 mm thick coronal slab sections and microradiographed. After digitization of the microradiographs and imaging processing with in-house semi-automated image processing software tools developed using software interfaces on a Sun workstation, the trabecular histomorphometrical structural parameters and connectivity in the greater tuberosity were quantified. The degenerative changes on the surface of the greater tuberosity were interpreted blindly by 2 independent readers. RESULTS: Among the 22 shoulder specimens, the rotator cuff was found intact in 10 shoulders, partially in 7 and fully torn in 5. Statistically significant loss in apparent trabecular bone volume fraction, number of trabecular nodes, and number of trabecular branches, and a statistically significant increase in apparent trabecular separation and number of trabecular free ends were found in the greater tuberosity of the shoulders with tears. The loss was greater in association with full tear than in partial tear. Thickening of the cortical margin of the enthesis, irregularity of its surface, and calcification beyond the tidemark were observed in 2 (20%) shoulders with intact rotator cuff, in 6 (86%) shoulders with partial tear, and in 5 (100%) shoulders with full tear. CONCLUSIONS: Rotator cuff tears are associated with degenerative changes on the bone surface and with disuse osteopenia of the greater tuberosity. Aging, degenerative enthesopathy of the supraspinatus tendon, and rotator cuff tears appear closely related.