Scot Elliot Campbell MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Robert Michael DeWitt MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Brett D. Owens, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Adrianne Kamara Thompson MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kenneth L. Cameron, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of several common shoulder pathologies, including rotator cuff tear, SLAP tear, Bankart tear, Hillsachs lesion, Bennett lesion, and osseous cysts in the greater or lesser tuberosity, on MRI in a young, athletic population.

We conducted a prospective cohort study to identify risk factors for shoulder instability. Subjects were freshman entering the United States Military Academy in June of 2006. Part of the baseline assessment included MRI of each shoulder upon entry into the study. A musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to injury history and outcomes during the follow-up period evaluated the MRI examinations for full thickness rotator cuff tear, partial thickness rotator cuff tear, superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) tear, Bankart tear, Hillsachs lesion, Bennett lesion, osseous cysts in the greater tuberosity, and osseous cysts in the lesser tuberosity.

Mean patient age was 18.8±1.0 years among males and 18.7±0.9 years among females. There were 1264 shoulder MRI studies, including 129 female (10.2%) and 1135 male (89.8%). There were no full thickness rotator cuff tears, and 11 partial thickness rotator cuff tears (0.9%). SLAP tear was present in 41/1264 shoulders (3.2%). Bankart tear was present in 27/1264 (2.1%). Hillsachs lesion was present in 23/1264 (1.8%). Bennett lesion was present in 5/1264 (0.4%). Osseous cysts were present in the greater tuberosity in 200/1264 (15.9%), and in the lesser tuberosity in 8/1264 (0.6%). Of those with greater tuberosity cysts, 4/200 (2%) also had a rotator cuff tear. Of those with lesser tuberosity cysts, none had a rotator cuff tear.

This study used MRI to demonstrate the prevalence of common shoulder pathology in a young and healthy, athletic population. Rotator cuff tear is rare in this population. Labral tears are uncommon. Osseous cysts in the greater tuberosity are not uncommon, and are rarely associated with rotator cuff tear. Osseous cysts in the lesser tuberosity are rare, and in a young athletic population demonstrate no association with rotator cuff tear.

Prevalence of common shoulder pathology on MRI in a young, athletic population.  

Campbell, S, DeWitt, R, Owens, B, Thompson, A, Cameron, K, Prevalence of Common Shoulder Pathology on MRI in a Young and Healthy Athletic Population.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12026970.html