Abstract:
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Purpose: To describe the anatomic relationships between the coraco-humeral ligament (CHL) and the supraspinatus tendon and the superior glenohumeral ligament.
Methods and Materials: This is the retrospective analysis of 2600 MR exams performed by the same operator over a two years period with analysis of the CHL on sagittal T2 and enhanced coronal, sagittal and axial fat-suppressed PD.
Results: The anterior CHL blends with the superior glenohumeral ligament and forms a sling around the long head of the biceps tendon. The posterior CHL blends with superficial and deep layers of the supraspinatus tendon. The deep extension of the CHL is constantly identified on sagittal T2 images but the superficial extension is identified in only 8% of the patients except when supraspinatus tear is present. 432 patients displayed full thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon and 192 tear of the CHL with exposure of the long head of the biceps tendon under the acromion. In these cases, the long portion of the biceps tendon is no more covered by the CHL and is exposed to abrasive tendinopathy with the undersurface of the acromion, and over the ridge of the lesser tuberosity related to tendon nstability due to tear of the anterior sling. The increased stretch of the biceps tendon may account for increased and acute pain among patients with long standing cuff tears.
Conclusion: Sagital T2 allows for constant identification of the CHL. Full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon is frequently associated with tears of the CHL and of the anterior sling around the long head of the biceps tendon.
Questions about this event email: OKRIEF@YAHOO.fr
Krief MD, O,
MR Anatomy of the Rotator Cuff Interval. Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3100538.html
