Tuberosity bone atrophy in rotator cuff tears

Measurement of volumetric bone mineral density in proximal humerus using quantitative computed tomography in patients with unilateral rotator cuff tear.

These authors investigated the region-specific volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of the proximal humerus in 65 patients with unilateral rotator cuff tear (RCT).

The vBMD values of the symptomatic shoulder with cuff tears were significantly lower than those of the asymptomatic contralateral shoulder (P < .05). The vBMD value was the highest in the posterolateral portion and the lowest in the medial portions. The vBMD was lower for female patients.

Comment: These findings demonstrate that, like muscle and tendon, the quality of the bone deteriorates with detachment of the rotator cuff from its insertion. Higher degrees of local osteopenia may present difficulties with suture fixation.

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