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Subject Area

Orthopedic Surgery

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background The greater tuberosity (GT) of the humerus position and morphology represented by the greater tuberosity angle (GTA) has an important role in rotator cuff tear. Objectives To evaluate the relationship between GTA and degenerative rotator cuff tear, which measures the position of the GT in relation to the humeral head center of rotation. Patients and methods From June 2021 till March 2022, a case–control study was carried out at Menoufia University Hospital that included 94 patients who were divided into a case group (47 patients with degenerative rotator cuff tear) and a control group (47 patients with other shoulder pathology). Patients with traumatic rotator cuff tear, skeletally immature, previous shoulder surgery, healed fractures around shoulder, and isolated subscapularis tear were excluded, and GTA was measured on an anteroposterior shoulder radiograph image with the arm adducted to body, forearm supinated, and palm of hand facing forward. Results GTA in the case group measured 72.5 ± 2.5, whereas measured 65.2 ± 4.1 in the control group (P < 0.001). A value above 70° resulted in 93-fold higher odds of detecting a rotator cuff tear (P < 0.001). Conclusion GT morphology is a contributing factor for degenerative rotator cuff tears. The GTA is a reliable radiographic marker, with more than 70° being highly predictive in detecting such lesions.

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