Rotator cuff disorders: How to write a surgically relevant magnetic resonance imaging report?

Abstract

Evaluation of rotator cuff is a common indication for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning of the shoulder. Conventional MRI is the most commonly used technique, while magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography is reserved for certain cases. Rotator cuff disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of internal and external mechanisms. A well-structured MRI report should comment on the relevant anatomic structures including the acromial type and orientation, the presence of os acromiale, acromio-clavicular degenerative spurs and fluid in the subacromial subdeltoid bursa. In addition, specific injuries of the rotator cuff tendons and the condition of the long head of biceps should be accurately reported. The size and extent of tendon tears, tendon retraction and fatty degeneration or atrophy of the muscles are all essential components of a surgically relevant MRI report.

Key Words: Magnetic resonance imaging, Rotator cuff tendons, Tendon tear, Review, Shoulder

Core tip: This review discusses the relevant anatomy of rotator cuff, mechanisms of rotator cuff injury, techniques of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used as well as all relevant MRI findings in an easy and ordered manner with illustrative figures and examples.

INTRODUCTION

Rotator cuff disorders are common in the middle and old age population. They are a major cause of chronic shoulder pain. In addition, rotator cuff disorders result in loss of strength and stability of the shoulder[1,2].

The balanced combination between accurate clinical examination, clear view of the patient’s needs and disabilities and precise radiological diagnostic modalities is invaluable in the correct formulation of the treatment plan of the patient whether surgically or conservatively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is considered by many authors the modality of choice for diagnosing rotator cuff disorders[3,4], has a very important role in achieving this balance.

In this article, we discuss the techniques of MRI of the shoulder; the relevant rotator cuff anatomy, mechanisms of injury, and the specific imaging findings of rotator cuff disorders that are important for formulating a well-structured and complete MRI report.

MRI TECHNIQUE

MR imaging of the shoulder for evaluation of rotator cuff disorders may be carried out either conventionally (non-arthrographic), or with direct contrast distension of the joint (MR arthrography). Magnetic resonance arthrography was reported to be the most accurate imaging technique for diagnosis of both partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears[5,6], but is limited by invasiveness and necessity of fluoroscopic guidance for injection, and therefore not routinely used for rotator cuff disorders[7,8]. An alternative technique, indirect MR arthrography, is a non-invasive technique using intravenous rather than intra-articular contrast to provide the arthrographic effect[9,10]. Continuous advances in MRI field strength, gradients, and coil technology have allowed even more accuracy for conventional MRI than that reported in the early literature, and conventional MRI is still the most commonly used technique for diagnosis of rotator cuff tears[3,11,12].

MR imaging is typically performed in the supine position with the arm by the side of the patient, in the neutral position. Images must be obtained in axial, coronal oblique and sagittal oblique planes[13]. The sequences used may vary but typically include T1-, proton density- and T2-weighted sequences and it is recommended to have both fat-suppressed and non-fat-suppressed sequences. Additional imaging in the abduction external rotation (ABER) position of the shoulder was reported to improve sensitivity and increase diagnostic confidence for partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon[10,14]. However, this technique is not widely spread due to difficult positioning and prolonged scan time.

ROTATOR CUFF ANATOMY

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles; the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor muscles. The supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula and passes on the superior aspect of the humeral head to be inserted in the greater tuberosity. The infraspinatus muscle originates from the infraspinous fossa and shares a common tendinous insertion with the supraspinatus tendon on the greater tuberosity; together with the tendon of teres minor muscle[15]. On the other hand, the subscapularis muscle originates from the subscapular fossa of the scapula and its wide tendon inserts in the lesser tuberosity, separated from the insertion of the other rotator muscles by the rotator interval.

The long head of biceps tendon is anatomically and functionally related to the rotator cuff. The tendon arises from the supraglenoid tubercle and its proximal segment (2-3 cm) is intra-articular. It exits the gleno-humeral joint and passes through the rotator interval between the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons into the bicipital (intertubercular) groove of the proximal humerus[16].

MECHANISMS OF ROTATOR CUFF INJURY

The exact pathophysiology of rotator cuff injury, after exclusion of acute trauma, is still not fully understood. The current understanding is that rotator cuff degeneration is caused by a multifactorial pathogenesis, including both internal and external mechanisms[17,18].

Internal mechanisms

Those are mechanisms that originate from within the tendons in the form of degenerative processes, possibly age-related, that result in alterations in the tendon biology, morphology, vascularity and mechanical properties[18,19].

External mechanisms

External mechanisms include the well-known impingement syndromes, of which the subacromial impingement is the commonest. Subacromial impingement is defined as entrapment of the subacromial subdeltoid bursa and the supraspinatus tendon between the coraco-acromial arch and the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The main causes of this type of impingement include abnormal acromion configuration[20], osteoarthritis of the acromio-clavicular (AC) joint and narrowed subacromial space[21].

Another type of impingement syndromes is subcoracoid impingement; defined as entrapment of the subscapularis tendon in the coracohumeral interval (the space between the coracoid process and the anterior humerus). It is usually caused by abnormal coracoid configuration that may be congenital, traumatic or iatrogenic[17,21].

Less common types of impingement include secondary external impingement due to glenohumeral instability in the absence of outlet stenosis of the rotator cuff tendons[22], as well as internal impingement (intra-articular) due to compression of the articular surface of the tendons between the humeral head and glenoid[23].

MRI FINDINGS

Acromion type

The acromion was classified according to its shape into three types (Figure 1). Type I has a flat under surface, type II a concave under surface and type three a concave under surface with anterior hook. Some authors added a further type IV to the original classification describing a convex under surface[24,25]. The shape of acromion is best depicted on sagittal oblique MR images lateral to the AC joint plane. The most common type is type II, while type III is the one most commonly associated with rotator cuff tears where its anterior hook causes injury of the anterior fibres of the supraspinatus tendon[26].

Figure 1 Acromion types. Sagittal oblique T2-weighted images of different patients showing type I flat acromion (A), type II concave under surface (B) and type III concave under surface with anterior hook (C).

Acromion orientation

Normally, the acromion has no slope either anteriorly, laterally or inferiorly. A lateral or anterior down-sloping acromion and a low-lying acromion are thought to play a role in the development of subacromial impingement[21].

A low-lying acromion is diagnosed when the lower acromial surface is below the lower surface of the clavicle at the AC joint level on the anterior coronal oblique MR image (Figure 2A). On the same image showing the AC joint, an infero-lateral slope is detected by measuring the angle between the acromion axis and the clavicle (Figure 2B); an angle more than 10 degrees is abnormal[27]. An anterior slope is diagnosed on sagittal oblique images when the anterior part of the acromion is closer to the related part of the humeral convexity than its posterior part.

Figure 2 Acromion orientation. A: Coronal oblique T1-weighted image shows low lying acromion (a) in relation to the clavicle (c) at the Acromio-clavicular joint level; B: Coronal oblique T1-weighted image in another patient shows infero-lateral slope of the acromion. The angle between the acromion and the clavicle is tilted by 20 degrees.

Os acromiale

The acromion is formed from multiple ossification centres with complete fusion between the ages of 22 and 25 years. If one of the ossification centres fails to fuse, an accessory ossicle is formed; the os acromiale[28]. The os acromiale is mobile and is thought to contribute to impingement, but the reported incidence in normal population is between 1% and 15%[28]. It is best assessed in the upper axial images (Figure 3) where a low signal space is detected between the high signal marrow of the distal acromion and the non-fused ossicle[25]. On coronal oblique images it can be suspected by the presence of the so called “double AC joint”; the normal AC joint appears on the anterior image and the pseudo-articulation of the os acromiale appears on the posterior one[27].

Figure 3 Os acromiale. Axial T1-weighted image showing the os acromiale.

AC joint

Osteoarthritis of the AC joint (Figure 4) is a common finding in patients with rotator cuff disorders. However, its role in impingement remains unclear and could either be a risk factor for impingement or a result of rotator cuff injury and disturbed shoulder biomechanics. A large osteophyte arising from the inferior surface of the joint is thought to be a cause of tendon tear[29]. MRI is more sensitive than radiography for detection of AC joint degenerative disease. MRI can differentiate joint enlargement due to capsular hypertrophy (intermediate signal intensity) form joint effusion (bright signal on T2-weighted images). Osteophytes appear in late stages of the disease[30].

Figure 4 Acromio-clavicular joint osteoarthritis. Coronal oblique fat-sat proton-density-weighted image shows degenerative changes of the acromio-clavicular joint (arrow) in a patient with rotator cuff tear.

Subacromial subdeltoid bursa

The subacromial subdeltoid bursa is a synovial lined structure between the acromion and deltoid muscle externally and the rotator cuff tendons internally. The subacromial and subdeltoid components are connected in 95% of individuals. Normally it is not connected with the joint space but communication occurs in association with full thickness supraspinatus tears[31,32].

The normal bursa usually does not exceed 2 mm in thickness and is usually located posteriorly. On coronal MRI, features suggesting abnormal amount of fluid include thickness of fluid signal more than 3 mm, fluid signal medial to the level of the AC joint, and fluid in the anterior part of the bursa[33].

Rotator cuff tendons and specific injuries

Tendinitis and tendinosis: Tendinitis and tendinosis typically appear as focal areas of increased signal intensity on proton density weighted images, that is less than that of fluid on T2-weighted images (Figure 5). Chronic forms are associated with thickening (tendinosis)[34].

Figure 5 Supraspinatus tendinosis. A: Coronal oblique T1-weighted image. B: Coronal oblique fat-sat proton-density image. Images (A) and (B) show focal high signal intensity within the distal supraspinatus tendon (arrow); C: Coronal oblique fat-sat T2-weighted image shows focal high signal at the same site within supraspinatus tendon (arrow). Final diagnosis was tendinosis.

Partial thickness tear: A partial thickness tear appears on fat-suppressed T2-weighted MR images as fluid signal intensity with thinning, or an incomplete gap, in the tendon[3]. The supraspinatus tendon is usually about 12 mm in average cranio-caudal thickness. Partial thickness tears are classified according to their depth into either grade I, in which less than one fourth of the fibres is torn; grade II, when more than one fourth and less than half of the tendon thickness is torn and grade III, when more than half of the tendon thickness is torn[24,35].

According to the tear site, partial thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon are classified into bursal; articular surface or intra-tendinous tears (Figure 6). Articular surface tears are more common[35].

Figure 6 Partial interstitial supraspinatus tendon tear. Coronal oblique fat-sat proton-density-weighted image showing focal high signal within the supraspinatus tendon fibres (arrow). Also note the associated high signal intensity fluid in the subacromial subdeltoid bursa.

Full thickness tear: A full-thickness tendon tear appears as a focal, well-defined area of increased signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images (Figure 7), that traverses the whole thickness of the tendon from the bursal to the articular surface[7,36].

Figure 7 Full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears in two different patients. A: Coronal oblique fat-sat T2-weighted image shows full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear without significant tendinous retraction (arrow); B: Coronal oblique fat-sat T2-weighted image in another patient shows torn retracted supraspinatus tendon (arrow).

Full-thickness tendon tears are classified according to the tear dimensions as small (less than 1 cm), medium (between 1 and 3 cm), large (between 3 and 5 cm) or massive (exceeding 5 cm)[24]. The dimensions are measured on coronal and sagittal T2 fat-suppressed images[37].

The degree of retraction of the torn supraspinatus tendon is typically assessed on coronal oblique images. When the tendon stump is still close to the insertion site, it is classified as stage 1. A stump retracted to the level of the humeral head is classified as stage 2, while stage 3 denotes retraction of the stump to the level of the glenoid[38,39].

Supraspinatus tendon: The most common site for rotator cuff tears is the supraspinatus tendon, especially at its distal part 1 to 2 cm from its insertion, the so called “critical zone”, where the vascularity is low and the effect of subacromial space narrowing or subacromial impingement is maximized (Figure 8)[26].

Figure 8 Subacromial impingement. A: Coronal oblique fat-sat T2-weighted image; B: Coronal oblique fat-sat proton-density-weighted image. Both images show findings associated with subacromial impingement in the form of osteoarthritis of the acromio-clavicular joint, distended subacromial subdeltoid bursa by fluid signal (arrowhead) and focal thickening of the distal supraspinatus tendon with partial irregularity of the bursal surface reported as partial tear (arrow).

The supraspinatus tendon is best evaluated on the coronal oblique images. A potential pitfall is the magic angle artefact (Figure 9); that may occur whenever parallel collagen fibres are oriented at 55 degrees relative to the magnetic field. This effect is common at the distal end of the supraspinatus tendon and appears as high signal mimicking tendinitis or partial tear on short time of echo (TE) MR sequences. However, the high signal intensity disappears on using long TE sequences; for example T2 fat-suppressed sequence[25].

Figure 9 Magic angle artifact. A: Coronal oblique T1-weighted image. B: Coronal oblique fat-sat proton-density image. Images (A) and (B) show focal high signal intensity within the distal supraspinatus tendon (arrow); C: Coronal oblique fat-sat T2-weighted image shows normal signal of the supraspinatus tendon (arrow). Final diagnosis was magic angle artifact with normal tendon.

Infraspinatus tendon: The infraspinatus tendon is most commonly torn as an extension from supraspinatus tear (postero-superior cuff tear)[39]. The infraspinatus tendon is best evaluated on posterior coronal oblique fat-suppressed T2-weighted or STIR images (Figure 10). A second look may also be carried out on the upper axial images as well as on sagittal images[13].

Figure 10 Infraspinatus tendinosis. Posterior coronal oblique fat-sat proton-density-weighted image showing focal thickening of the infraspinatus tendon fibres with abnormal high signal diagnosed as tendinosis (arrow). Also note fluid signal within the subacromial subdeltoid bursa.

Subscapularis tendon: Subscapularis tendon tears may occur as a component of massive rotator cuff tears[40,41]. The tendinous part of the subscapularis tendon is the broadest tendon among the rotator cuff and therefore commonly affected by tears and tendinitis (Figure 11).

Figure 11 Subscapularis tendinosis. A: Axial gradient-recalled echo image showing focal high signal within the subscapularis tendon with fibres thickening (arrow); B: Anterior coronal oblique fat-sat T2-weighted image of the same patient showing high signal within the lower fibres of the subscapularis tendon (arrow).

The subscapularis tendon may be affected in isolation in traumatic injury[41]. Subcoracoid impingement, which is a cause of subscapularis degenerative tears (Figure 12), is suspected when the distance between the coracoid process and the lesser tuberosity of the humerus is less than 6 mm on axial MR images[21,42]. Other reported associated MRI signs include subcortical bone marrow edema of the coracoid process and lesser tuberosity of the huemrus.

Figure 12 Sub-coracoid impingement. A and C: Axial gradient-recalled echo images; B: Axial T1-weighted image showing narrowed coraco-humeral distance (arrows in A) with tapered coracoid process, thickening and abnormal high signal of the subscapularis tendon (asterisk in C).

Teres minor tendon: The teres minor tendon is the least injured among rotator cuff tendons[43]. The teres minor tendon is best evaluated on posterior coronal oblique and axial MR images and to less extent on sagittal images.

Muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration

Atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle could be assessed by calculating the occupation ratio of the supraspinatus fossa. On the most lateral oblique sagittal image, atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle is diagnosed if the supraspinatus muscle occupies less than half the area of the fossa[44,45].

The tangent sign (Figure 13) describes an additional straight line drawn from the top of the coracoid process to the top of the spine of the scapula on the same oblique sagittal image as above. Atrophy is diagnosed when the superior border of the muscle lies below the tangent line[24,45,46].

Figure 13 Supraspinatus muscle atrophy, tangent sign. Sagittal oblique T1-weighted image showing the upper border of supraspinatus muscle below the line extending between the scapular plate and spine.

Fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus muscles could be assessed on the T1-weighted oblique sagittal image in which the spine and body of the scapula appear. Fatty degeneration could be classified as either low (grade 0; no fat or grade 1; some fatty streaks) or moderate (grade 2; muscle > fat) or advanced (grade 3; muscle = fat and grade 4; muscle < fat)[47-49].

Long head biceps tendon

MR evaluation of the intra-articular segment of the long head biceps tendon (LHBT) is best carried out on both oblique sagittal and oblique coronal images, while the extra-articular segment is best evaluated on axial images. The LHBT tendon is covered with a synovial sheath connected with the joint space along its course within the bicipital grove[30,50]. Therefore, fluid signal around the tendon may be seen in cases of joint effusion, nevertheless in proportionate amount, and should not be mistaken for tenosynovitis. Tenosynovitis of the LHBT is diagnosed if fluid is detected around the tendon only or if the amount of fluid around the tendon is clearly out of proportion to that in the glenohumeral joint[51]. Tendinosis of the LHBT is suspected when focal thickening and high signal (but less than that of fluid) of the tendon or part of it is noted, usually associated with fluid signal within the synovial covering[52]. The most commonly affected part is the supra-humeral portion or the horizontal part and it may be a result of impingement. Tears of the LHBT vary from partial to complete tear to tendon avulsion. Tears appear as focal areas of high signal intensity, similar to that of fluid on T2-weighted images. Avulsion is diagnosed by noting the absence of the intra-articular segment of the tendon with no signs of dislocation. A dislocated LHBT (Figure 14) is often medially displaced, and is commonly associated with subscapularis tendon tear[50-52].

Figure 14 Subscapularis tendon avulsion with long head of biceps tendon dislocation. A: Axial T1-weighed image; B: Axial gradient-recalled echo image; C: Coronal oblique T1-weighted images showing avulsion of the subscapularis tendon (asterisk in B) with muscular atrophy and long head biceps tendon dislocation (arrows) with diffuse tendinous thickening and high signal.

Other findings

Bony changes: Erosions and degenerative changes of the lateral aspect of the greater tuberosity of the humerus (Figure 15) are common associated findings in rotator cuff disorders[30]. This finding is important for surgical planning as it significantly decreases the hold of anchors used during repair of torn rotator cuff tendons.

Figure 15 Calcific tendinopathy. Coronal oblique fat-sat proton-density-weighted image showings focal area of signal void (calcifications) within the distal supraspinatus tendon fibres (arrows). Diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography.

Calcific tendinopathy: Calcific tendinopathy most commonly affects the supraspinatus tendon, less commonly the infraspinatus and other tendons. On MRI, calcifications typically appear as focal areas of signal void on all spin echo sequences (Figure 16), and is usually difficult to detect within the natively low signal tendon[7,53]. The area of signal void increases on gradient-recalled echo sequence due to susceptibility effects[30].

Figure 16 Bony degenerative changes. Coronal oblique fat-sat T2-weighted image showing focal fluid-like high signal within the distal supraspinatus tendon fibres reported as partial capsular surface tear with subcortical cystic erosion of the greater tuberosity at the rotor cuff insertion (thin arrow). Also note fluid signal within the subacromial subdeltoid bursa reported as bursitis (thick arrow).

CONCLUSION

Evaluation of rotator cuff disorders is one of the commonest indications for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the shoulder. Complete and accurate interpretation of MR images is essential to provide the treating clinician with adequate information for choosing the best therapy and avoiding unnecessary interventions. Radiologists should be familiar with the technique of MRI of the shoulder, the anatomy of the rotator cuff and the mechanisms of rotator cuff injury. A well-structured MRI report should include full comment on the rotator cuff tendons and all other relevant structures.