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PubMed2000

[In Process Citation]

The traumatic etiology of rotator cuff lesions is a||| matter of controversial discussed in legal assessments. Because of the||| relatively high prevalence of degenerative changes with increasing age,||| including partial and complete rotator cuff tears, it may be difficult to||| demonstrate the cause of an acute traumatic rotator cuff tear. This article||| presents a review of the literature concerning current knowledge of the||| anatomy, biomechanics and pathogenesis of rotator cuff pathology. According to||| this, a catalogue of potentially adequate and inadequate trauma mechanisms is||| proposed. Another focus of this work is in the post-traumatic diagnostic steps||| following persistent rotator cuff-deficient shoulder function. X-ray,||| ultrasound, MRI and operative findings in rotator cuff tears underline the||| criteria for distinguishing between traumatic and degenerative lesions. From a||| legal point of view (e.g., private accident insurance, workers compensation||| claims), various minor and major arguments are defined, which could help the||| expert in judging the cause of post-traumatic rotator cuff||| deficiency.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1991

MRI and sonography of the shoulder.

We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic value of sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 24 shoulders in 23 patients with suspected rotator cuff tears using arthrography as gold standard. Sonography demonstrated 14 of 15, MRI 10 of 15 rotator cuff tears, respectively. Sonography diagnosed seven of nine intact rotator cuffs correctly, MRI eight of nine. In a retrospective study we reviewed the diagnostic value of sonography and MRI in other pathologies of the shoulder including intra-articular pathology, humeral head and acromioclavicular joint pathology, and calcification. We conclude that with regard to cost and patient compliance, sonography should be the first radiologic examination in suspected rotator cuff tears if performed by an experienced sonographer. MRI is superior in depicting additional pathology and is less operator dependent. It may thus become the method of choice for the evaluation of the rotator cuff and related pathology in the future.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Congenital subacromial stenosis.

Congenital subacromial stenosis is a previously undescribed entity that causes narrowing of the height of the subacromial space without proximal migration of the humerus. This study comprised 25 shoulders with congenital subacromial stenosis. All patients had either an impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tear. The average acromiohumeral interval was 4.7 mm. Fifteen of the 25 shoulders (60%) had rotator cuff tears. Patients requiring surgery comprised a bimodal age distribution: those with an impingement syndrome requiring decompression had an average age of 42, whereas those with rotator cuff tears requiring surgical treatment had an average age of 66. Study of a separate standard asymptomatic population of 84 patients showed that some younger individuals with congenital subacromial stenosis may be asymptomatic. However, the natural history seems to be a relentless progression to impingement and eventually to complete rotator cuff tear. Therefore, subacromial decompression is recommended in younger symptomatic individuals to prevent later rotator cuff tear.

Acromion↗
PubMed1999

Shoulder proprioception: latent muscle reaction times.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify electromyographic (EMG) differences in the latent muscle reaction timing (LMRT) of the rotator cuff between trained overhead throwers and control subjects in response to sudden internal rotation perturbation (P < or = 0.05). METHODS: Subjects included 15 trained overhead throwers (male intercollegiate baseball players) and 15 untrained subjects (males not active in competitive throwing sports). Subjects were tested while seated, with their dominant glenohumeral joint positioned in 90 degrees abduction/external rotation (scapular plane), their elbow flexed to 90 degrees, and their forearm placed in the perturbation device. Rotator cuff LMRT was assessed as they tried to decelerate a variably timed, sudden internal rotation force. EMG sampling (2000 Hz, 2-s duration) began immediately before perturbation. RESULTS: Trained throwers had slower infraspinatus (P = 0.011) and teres minor (P = 0.024) LMRT and decreased supraspinatus (P = 0.001) and posterior deltoid (P = 0.0001) muscle activation duration compared with control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the rotator cuff muscles of trained throwers may be downregulated in response to sudden internal rotation perturbation. Although these adaptations would enable greater internal rotation velocities during overhead throwing, they may also contribute to glenohumeral joint pathology. The identification of changes in rotator cuff LMRT in response to sudden internal rotation perturbation suggests an area of acquired neuromuscular imbalance warranting consideration by those involved in the rehabilitation and conditioning of the overhead throwing athlete.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Imaging of degenerative and posttraumatic disease in the shoulder joint with ultrasound.

This article reviews the examination technique of shoulder ultrasound, normal and abnormal ultrasound findings in acute (posttraumatic) and chronic (degenerative) lesions. Moreover, it reviews the effectiveness of ultrasound in relation to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Most authors report that full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus can reliably be diagnosed by ultrasound. However, the simple diagnosis of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear is no longer sufficient for surgical management. The precise localization and size of rotator cuff tears as well as the extent of muscle degeneration is important for surgical planning. For this aspect and for partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, for subscapularis lesions as well as for lesions of the long biceps tendons there is no consensus regarding the diagnostic value of ultrasound. To the present, ultrasound (contrary to MR imaging) has failed to demonstrate that it consistently influences the clinician's degree of confidence in the clinical diagnosis or the treatment plan. Therefore, some orthopedic surgeons prefer MR imaging to ultrasound in the evaluation of rotator cuff tears and other abnormalities of the glenohumeral joint. Moreover, MR imaging, especially when combined with arthrography, represents a one-step investigation, which not only allows for assessment of rotator cuff lesion but also of lesions of the labrum (Bankart lesions, SLAP lesions), the joint capsule and the biceps tendon. It also demonstrates muscle atrophy, which represents an important predictor of surgical outcome in rotator cuff repair.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2002

Shoulder instability: accuracy of MR imaging performed after surgery in depicting recurrent injury--initial findings.

PURPOSE: To analyze a series of postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained in patients with recurrent signs or symptoms of instability in whom subsequent surgical correlation was performed to determine the accuracy in diagnosing recurrent injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors identified 24 patients who underwent MR imaging after shoulder instability surgery and had recurrent instability requiring repeat surgery. Twelve nonenhanced MR images and six indirect and six direct MR arthrograms were retrospectively reviewed with consensus to determine the presence or absence of recurrent labral or rotator cuff tear. Operative reports were reviewed to confirm the presence or absence of labral or rotator cuff tear. The mean interval between initial surgery and MR imaging was 10 months. The mean interval until repeat surgery was 2 months. RESULTS: Overall, the accuracy of postoperative MR imaging was 79% in depicting recurrent labral tear and 88% in depicting recurrent rotator cuff tear. Indirect MR arthrography had 100% accuracy for recurrent labral tear detection, whereas direct MR arthrography and nonenhanced MR imaging had accuracies of 67% and 75%, respectively. Direct MR arthrography was more sensitive, 100% versus 71%, but less specific, 60% versus 80%, than nonenhanced MR imaging in depicting recurrent labral tears. Direct MR arthrography had 100% accuracy in depicting rotator cuff tear, whereas both indirect MR arthrography and nonenhanced MR imaging had 83% accuracy. CONCLUSION: MR imaging, indirect MR arthrography in particular, appears to be an accurate means of evaluating the shoulder following instability surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The effectiveness of diagnostic tests for the assessment of shoulder pain due to soft tissue disorders: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the newer diagnostic imaging tests as an addition to clinical examination and patient history for the diagnosis of soft tissue shoulder disorders. DATA SOURCES: Literature was identified from several sources including general medical databases. REVIEW METHODS: Studies were identified that evaluated clinical examination, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) in patients suspected of having soft tissue shoulder disorders. Outcomes assessed were clinical impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tear (full, partial or any). Only cohort studies were included. The methodological quality of included test accuracy studies was assessed using a formal quality assessment tool for diagnostic studies and the extraction of study findings was conducted in duplicate using a pre-designed and piloted data extraction form to avoid any errors. For each test, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each study. Where possible pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios were calculated using random effects methods. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated by conducting subgroup analyses. RESULTS: In the included studies, the prevalence of rotator cuff disorders was generally high, partial verification of patients was common and in many cases patients who were selected retrospectively because they had undergone the reference test. Sample sizes were generally very small. Reference tests were often inappropriate with many studies using arthrography alone, despite problems with its sensitivity. For clinical assessment, 10 cohort studies were found that examined either the accuracy of individual tests or clinical examination as a whole: individual tests were either good at ruling out rotator cuff tears when negative (high sensitivity) or at ruling in such disorders when positive (high specificity), but small sample sizes meant that there was no conclusive evidence. Ultrasound was investigated in 38 cohort studies and found to be most accurate when used for the detection of full-thickness tears; sensitivity was lower for detection of partial-thickness tears. For MRI, 29 cohort studies were included. For full-thickness tears, overall pooled sensitivities and specificities were fairly high and the studies were not statistically heterogeneous; however for the detection of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, the pooled sensitivity estimate was much lower. The results from six MRA studies suggested that it may be very accurate for detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, although its performance for the detection of partial-thickness tears was less consistent. Direct evidence for the performance of one test compared with another is very limited. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that clinical examination by specialists can rule out the presence of a rotator cuff tear, and that either MRI or ultrasound could equally be used for detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, although ultrasound may be better at picking up partial tears. Ultrasound also may be more cost-effective in a specialist hospital setting for identification of full-thickness tears. Further research suggestions include the need for large, well-designed, prospective studies of the diagnosis of shoulder pain, in particular a follow-up study of patients with shoulder pain in primary care and a prospective cohort study of clinical examination, ultrasound and MRI, alone and/or in combination.

Arthrography↗
PubMed1994

The value of shoulder distension arthrography with intraarticular injection of steroid and local anaesthetic: a follow-up study.

A series of 51 patients, seen in Leicester, with "frozen shoulder", and referred for arthrographic examination, were assessed both before and after distension arthrography, using air and a low-osmolar contrast media combined with a steroid and local anaesthetic injection. 38 attended for further assessment at up to 6 months later. 16 patients were found to have a rotator cuff tear. There was no significant change in the mean range of active movement in the patients with rotator cuff tears, but symptomatic improvement ensued in 44% of cases. In those found to have no rotator cuff tear, and external rotation of less than 35 degrees, a significant improvement in range of movement was seen. While those with less limitation of external rotation showed no change in their range of movement, they did experience symptomatic improvement in 73% of cases. We conclude that shoulder distension arthrography, with steroid and local anaesthetic injection, may be of symptomatic benefit in patients with frozen shoulder and without a rotator cuff tear, while only those with external rotation of less than 35 degrees are likely to improve their range of motion.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

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.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Impingement syndrome following direct injuries of the shoulder joint].

Impingement is the most common cause of pain and limitation of movement in the shoulder, with painful arc syndrome its major clinical sign. It usually becomes manifest at between 70 degrees-120 degrees of abduction, but in severe cases, this may be reduced to only 50 degrees-70 degrees. We studied 22 patients who had developed shoulder impingement following direct injuries and who had been treated by anterior acromioplasty and decompression, with an average follow-up of 32 months. 5 had sustained fractures of the greater tuberosity of the humerus at the time of injury, 14 had tears of the rotator cuff of various sizes (1 in both shoulders) and 3 had developed fibrotic scars of the subacromial bursa. Excellent or good results were achieved in 86.6%. Healing time was shorter, and there was return of full range of shoulder movement in those with subacromial scars, undisplaced fractures of the greater tuberosity, or those with a small tear of the rotator cuff. Recovery took longer in those with larger tears of the rotator cuff and in those with displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity. Recovery time was proportional to the size of the rotator cuff tear. It is concluded that direct trauma to the shoulder bears a direct relationship to the development of impingement syndrome, and that at surgery a concomitant tear in the rotator cuff is seen more than 2/3. Because of the high rate of success in surgical treatment of this syndrome, operation is indicated when a few months of physical therapy and analgesics fail to provide relief. In the presence of fractures, decompression surgery should be postponed until the fracture has united.

Acromion↗
PubMed1990

MR arthrography of the shoulder: comparison with conventional MR imaging.

Twenty-three patients underwent both conventional MR imaging of the shoulder and MR shoulder arthrography for clinically suspected labral or rotator cuff abnormalities. Images obtained before and after contrast administration were studied independently, and without knowledge of clinical findings, by two radiologists for the presence of abnormalities of the glenoid labrum or rotator cuff. Results were correlated with surgical findings in all patients. Nine patients had surgically proved labral tears. MR arthrography detected all nine labral abnormalities, while six of the nine were missed on conventional MR imaging. Fourteen patients had surgically proved rotator cuff tears. MR arthrography detected 11 of the 14 tears and missed three partial tears on the bursal surface. Conventional MR imaging detected nine cuff tears and missed five tears; two of these were complete rotator cuff tears and three were partial tears of the undersurface of the rotator cuff. Our results suggest that MR arthrography enhances the accuracy of MR in the evaluation of the glenoid labrum and rotator cuff tendon.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Interobserver variation in sonography of the painful shoulder.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted as a prospective assessment of interobserver variability in the sonographic evaluation of the rotator cuff. METHODS: Three musculoskeletal radiologists who had different levels of scanning experience each performed shoulder sonography on 24 consecutive patients during 1 patient visit. The diagnostic criteria full-thickness rotator cuff tear, tendon calcification, tendinosis of the supraspinatus, subacromial fluid, subacromial synovial/bursal thickening, dynamic signs of impingement, and abnormality in the long head of biceps tendon were scored, with independent observers recording the data. Statistical analysis was performed using Cohen's kappa test, with significance assessed at p values of less than 0.05. RESULTS: There was good agreement (kappa >0.60, p <0.01) between the experienced operators for full-thickness rotator cuff tear, tendon calcification, dynamic signs of impingement, and abnormality of the long head of biceps tendon. There was no significant agreement between the experienced operators and the less experienced operator in several categories, including (and importantly) full-thickness rotator cuff tears (kappa=0.18-0.21). CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands sonography of the rotator cuff is a reproducible diagnostic test, but agreement is poor when there is marked disparity between the operators' experience levels. Our findings suggest a need for a more clearly defined training curriculum for sonography of the shoulder in radiology training programs.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Panacryl synovitis: fact or fiction?

PURPOSE: It has been suggested from anecdotal experience that Panacryl suture (Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson, Westwood, MA) may be responsible for an exaggerated inflammatory response. Our goal was to test the null hypothesis that Panacryl causes aseptic synovitis when used on anchors in the case of arthroscopic Bankart and rotator cuff repair. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective review of the postoperative outcome, specifically looking for clinical criteria that are associated with aseptic synovitis. METHODS: Eighty-three arthroscopic Bankart and 33 arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs were performed using anchors loaded with Panacryl. The clinical factors associated with synovitis that we assessed were motion, pain, hyperthermia, and swelling. RESULTS: There was no hyperthermia. Two patients had transient swelling and 10 patients had initial transient postoperative pain. One patient had chronic pain and a second arthroscopy was performed 5 months after the initial procedure, which revealed obvious synovitis. Biopsy examinations were performed and these showed typical foreign-body reaction. Two anterior redislocations occurred after new traumas, 2 failed rotator cuff repairs were observed, due to early active motion, and 2 underwent an open revision repair; synovitis was not observed in any of these cases. After 6 months, the loss of external rotation was a mean of 6.7 degrees (Bankart) and 3.3 degrees (rotator cuff repair). The loss of forward elevation was a mean of 5.8 degrees (Bankart) and of 3.3 degrees (rotator cuff repair). CONCLUSIONS: In only 1 of 116 cases of arthroscopic repair was there direct evidence of synovitis. Even in the cases undergoing revision surgery, there was no indication that Panacryl caused aseptic synovitis. Clinical course after these repairs appeared to be similar to historical experience using nonabsorbable braided suture material. Failure rates in each series appeared to be more related to new trauma and use of other implants than to Panacryl suture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed1988

Correlation of pathology observed in double contrast arthrotomography and arthroscopy of the shoulder.

Correlation of double contrast arthrotomography (DCAT) of the shoulder and arthroscopic surgery diagnostic results have been undertaken in 55 patients with persistent shoulder pain or involuntary shoulder instability. During the period March 1984 to December 1986, 55 patients underwent DCAT followed by videotaped diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy. The primary indication for DCAT was persistent pain in 36 patients and instability in 17 patients. DCAT was performed according to the method of El-Khoury and Albright, and all arthroscopies were performed in a similar fashion by the senior author (HJS). Both tests were reviewed separately, retrospectively, and their results were correlated. For combined (anterior and posterior) labral pathology, the sensitivity/specificity for the instability group was 0.91/0.91, respectively; sensitivity/specificity for the pain group was 0.63/0.94. DCAT accurately depicted the status of 76% of anterior labrums and 96% of posterior labrums. For complete rotator cuff tears, sensitivity/specificity was 1.0/0.94. The status of a complete rotator cuff tear was accurately depicted in 91% of patients. Partial rotator cuff tears were missed in 83% of patients by DCAT. The presence or absence of loose bodies was accurately represented by 96% of DCAT. Arthroscopy showed that 71% of the instability patients had a labral tear, compared with 44% of the pain patients. Rotator cuff pathology was present in 12% of instability patients and 42% of pain patients. These findings indicate that DCAT may be a conditionally reliable test in the diagnosis of shoulder instability. DCAT must be considered inconclusive, however, in the painful shoulder without instability. Its usefulness as a preoperative screening test is discussed, and a diagnostic algorithm is presented. DCAT does not equal the diagnostic accuracy of shoulder arthroscopy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Shoulder sonography. State of the art.

Since the mid 1980s, sonography has been used to evaluate the rotator cuff. It is inexpensive, well tolerated, rapidly performed, and accurate. With the recent improvements in imaging equipment and refinements in scanning technique, an increasing number of radiologists are performing shoulder sonography. This article emphasizes the pertinent musculoskeletal anatomy, sonographic technique, normal sonographic anatomy, pathophysiology of rotator cuff and biceps tendon disease, sonographic findings of rotator cuff tears, and biceps tendon pathology. The accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing rotator cuff tears and miscellaneous abnormalities that can be detected with ultrasound also are discussed.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

Shoulder impingement: objective 3D shape analysis of acromial morphologic features.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively and quantitatively analyze the acromial undersurface in three dimensions and to determine its association with impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was received with exemption of informed consent for this retrospective HIPAA-compliant study. Magnetic resonance images were evaluated in 84 patients (63 males, 21 females; mean age, 42.6 years; age range, 15-74 years). On the basis of surgical results, patients were separated into three groups: those without shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tears (31 patients), those with shoulder impingement (22 patients), and those with rotator cuff tears (31 patients). To quantitate the acromial undersurface, the structure was manually plotted, and a mathematic model was created by using splines. The undersurface was divided into a 20 x 20 grid. For each patient, a shape index (SI) data set and local undersurface angulation (LUA) data set were determined. Regression analyses were used to identify differences between groups, and prediction models were constructed on the basis of correspondent areas. RESULTS: Analysis of both data sets yielded no apparent progression between groups and demonstrated a lack of similarity between the impingement and rotator cuff tear groups. Discrimination between groups could be demonstrated by dividing the lateral portion of the acromial undersurface into contiguous blocks. The highest overall diagnostic accuracy of our prediction models was 58.3% (49 of 84) by using 10 blocks of the SI data set and 73.8% (62 of 84) by using five blocks of the LUA data set. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional modeling yields objective data about the acromial undersurface. On the basis of this method, osseous impingement by the acromion is not a primary cause of shoulder impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tears.

Acromion↗
PubMed2000

Arthroscopic decompression for impingement syndrome secondary to an unstable os acromiale.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine cases of patients with impingement syndrome secondary to an unfused, unstable, os acromiale. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve consecutive patients (13 shoulders) presented with impingement symptoms in the presence of an os acromiale. The os acromiale, at the meso-acromion level, was seen on standard radiographs. The patients were all treated conservatively with rotator cuff strengthening, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections. All patients underwent an impingement test with lidocaine, resulting in complete relief of their pain. After failure of the conservative management, the 12 patients (13 shoulders) underwent an extended arthroscopic subacromial decompression. The goal of the modified arthroscopic acromioplasty was resection of adequate bone to remove the mobile anterior acromial tip. In general, this consisted of more bony resection than the typical arthroscopic acromioplasty. Postoperatively, the patients began a rehabilitation program emphasizing early range of motion followed by isolated free-weight rotator cuff strengthening exercises. Five shoulders had a partial-thickness tear of the rotator cuff. Four involved less than 50% of the thickness of the rotator cuff. These 4 partial-thickness tears underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement. One partial-thickness tear was greater than 50% and repair was performed with a mini-open deltoid-splitting technique. RESULTS: Results were evaluated using UCLA shoulder scoring. Preoperatively, the score averaged 17. The 3-month postoperative score was 27, and at 6 and 12 months, averaged 28. The final follow-up score averaged 31. There were 11 satisfactory results with UCLA scores >/=28. Two unsatisfactory results showed UCLA scores in the fair category. Full strength of the anterior deltoid and rotator cuff muscles was achieved in all patients by 6 months postoperatively as evaluated by manual muscle testing. Twelve of the 13 shoulders were rated by the patients as having a satisfactory result. All of the patients rated their cosmetic results as acceptable. There was no evidence of postoperative deltoid detachment. No patient developed pain at the pseudarthrosis point. CONCLUSIONS: Given the previously reported poor results with attempts at fusion of an unstable os acromiale and open complete excision of meso-acromial fragments, the authors conclude that an extended arthroscopic subacromial decompression results in a reasonable outcome for patients with impingement syndromes secondary to an unstable os acromiale.

Acromion↗
PubMedDate not supplied

In vivo anatomy of the Neer and Hawkins sign positions for shoulder impingement.

The Neer and Hawkins impingement signs are commonly used to diagnose subacromial pathology, but the anatomy of these maneuvers has not been well elucidated in vivo. This 3-dimensional open magnetic resonance imaging study characterized shoulder anatomy and rotator cuff impingement in 8 normal volunteers placed in the Neer and Hawkins positions. Subacromial and intraarticular contact of the rotator cuff was graded, and minimum distances were computed between the tendon insertion sites and the glenoid, acromion, and coracoid. Both the Neer and Hawkins maneuvers significantly decreased the distance from the supraspinatus insertion to the acromion and posterior glenoid and from the subscapularis insertion to the anterior glenoid. However, the Hawkins position resulted in significantly greater subacromial space narrowing and subacromial rotator cuff contact than the Neer position. In the Hawkins position, subacromial contact of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus was observed in 7 of 8 and 5 of 8 subjects, respectively. In contrast, rotator cuff contact with the acromion did not occur in any subject in the Neer position. Intraarticular contact of the supraspinatus with the posterosuperior glenoid was observed in all subjects in both positions. Subscapularis contact with the anterior glenoid was also seen in 7 of 8 subjects in the Neer position and in all subjects in the Hawkins position. This extensive intraarticular contact suggests that internal impingement may play a role in the Neer and Hawkins signs.

Adult↗