Abstract
37 shoulders (36 patients) more than 40 years old without apparent complete supraspinatus tendon tear were studied by serial MRIs to evaluate the factors affecting the aging and tering the supraspinatus tendons. There are 13 males and 23 females with the averaged age of 62.0 years old. The mean period between the initial and the final MRIs was 14.6 months and disease periods was 6.1 months.
The MR images of supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularlis tendons were assessed by signal intensity in the tendon. Signal intensity of the tendon was classified into six grades. Grade 0: tendon was occupied with low signal intensity area. Grade 1: iso signal intensity area was scattered in the tendon. Grade2: high signal intensity area was scattered in the tendon. Grade3: high signal intensity area was mainly in the bursal side of the tendon. Gade4: high signal intensity area was mainly in the middle of the tendon. Grade 5: high signal intensity area was mainly in the joint side of the tendon. High signal intensity in the bursa (subacromial, subscapularis bursa and bicipital sheeth) and joint (glenohumeral and acromio clavicular) was classified into 3 grades namely Grade 0: none. Grade 1: mild. Grade 2: apparent. Increase of high signal intensity area in the SSP tendon was seen in 16 cases and decrease of high signal intensity area was seen in 15 cases at 2nd MRI. 6 cases remained in the same grade. 2 shoulders progressed to complete cuff tear. High signal intensity in the glenohumeral joint, subacromial bursa and bicipital groove may predispose the supraspinatus tendon to increase of the high signal intensity area.
