We carried out a pathological examination of the inferior surface of the acromion in cases with rotator cuff tears to clarify the pathogenesis of such tears. 21 males and 4 female patients with an average age 53 years were operated. The lateral portion of the acromion was resected to prevent impingement syndrome and was examined microscopically to determine the degree of degeneration of the inferior surface.
Degeneration of the outer part of the recected acromion was more severe than that of the inner part. The degree of degeneration was significantly related with an increase in age.
These results suggested that degeneration of the inferior surface of the acromion among middle aged men may occur due to aging, or cuff dysfunction may pre-exist before any symptoms become apparent.
