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肩袖修复翻修术

Updated Sep 2026
肩部肩袖肌腱撕裂的示意图。
再次撕裂的肩袖,经翻修修复术治疗。 Kieran Hirpara 4.0

本页面由机器翻译,尚未经临床医生审核。英文版本为权威版本。

为何建议进行此手术

Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton 的上肢外科医生 Kieran Hirpara 医生会从适合您病情的最微创方案开始。患者通常由其全科医生(GP)转诊至我们的诊所;如果理疗师建议您就诊,您仍需获得全科医生的转诊才能符合 Medicare 报销资格。在您的预约就诊中,我们会采集病史,检查您的肩部,并在必要时安排影像学检查。对于长期存在的问题,我们通常首先尝试非手术治疗,例如改变活动方式、物理治疗或注射治疗。当这些步骤未能为您提供足够的改善时,才会考虑手术。

肩袖修复翻修术是一种二次手术,旨在对先前修复后再次撕裂或从未愈合的肩袖肌腱进行再次修复。当疼痛、夜间痛、无力或僵硬在先前治疗后持续存在时,我们会建议进行此手术。超声或核磁共振成像(MRI)等扫描有助于我们在做出决定前检查肌腱及其周围肌肉。该手术旨在缓解您的疼痛,并改善肩部的活动度和功能。许多人在术后 5 年仍能保持这种改善效果。我们将与您详细讨论该手术的益处和风险,最终决定由您与我们共同做出。

手术前

在手术前,我们会安排影像学检查以规划手术方案。这些检查可能包括X线片、超声检查或磁共振成像(MRI,一种能详细显示肩部周围软组织的扫描)。手术当天,您需要在术前7小时停止进食和饮水。我们要求提前7小时禁食禁水,以便如果手术室手术列表提前完成,可以提前您的手术时间;您的主刀医生将确认您的确切手术时间。如果您正在服用常规药物,请携带一份药物清单,我们将告知您哪些药物需要暂停。请安排他人在术后驾车送您回家,因为您将无法自行驾驶。请穿着宽松、舒适且易于穿脱的衣物。如果您患有其他基础疾病,可能需要进行血液检查或由麻醉科医生(负责实施麻醉的专科医生)进行评估。

手术当日

您将抵达医院的手术入院单元,在此办理入院手续并进行术前准备。随后,您将与麻醉医生见面。该手术在全身麻醉联合区域神经阻滞下进行。手术期间您将处于完全睡眠状态,而神经阻滞(在苏醒前注射以阻断支配手臂神经的麻醉药物)可为术后最初12至24小时提供镇痛效果。麻醉医生将在手术前与您见面,并详细讲解这两部分内容。随后,您将被带入手术室进行手术。手术结束后,您将在复苏室苏醒,护士会在此监测您的状况,直至麻醉作用消退。待您的生命体征稳定后,根据手术类型及恢复情况,您将被转入病房或直接回家。

手术内容

肩袖修复翻修手术通过关节镜(微创)手术进行。您的外科医生会在肩部周围做几个小切口,包括后侧的一个切口,并使用关节内的小型摄像头进行操作。摄像头会显示撕裂的肌腱及其撕裂脱离的骨骼。

常规方案是通过植入骨骼中的小型锚钉将肌腱重新固定。这些锚钉固定穿过肌腱的缝线。锚钉以两排方式放置:一排靠近关节,另一排位于外侧,将肌腱牢固地拉向骨骼,以便其在需要愈合的部位贴合。根据外科医生在手术中发现的情况,他们可能会改用单排锚钉,或在靠近关节处使用不同类型的锚钉。

通常会在修复部位的肌腱下方放置一块由生物组织制成的软性补片,以促进肌腱重新愈合附着于骨骼。您可以在我们的EnFix生物支架页面中阅读有关此内容的更多信息。

如果肌腱附着的骨骼已经磨损,您的外科医生可能会添加少量骨移植物以重建骨骼,从而为锚钉提供坚实的抓握基础。如果肌腱损伤过重而无法重新固定,可能会在您的治疗前或治疗期间与您讨论其他选择,例如使用供体肌腱来桥接间隙。

切口用缝线缝合,并在伤口上覆盖敷料。您需要保留该敷料约10天。

术后

大多数患者在此手术后需在医院过夜一晚,但部分患者可能当天即可出院。您将在复苏区醒来,随后转入病房。护士会查看您的情况,并根据需要为您给予镇痛药物。手术室中实施的神经阻滞通常可使肩部在最初的12至24小时内保持舒适,因此您起初可能感觉疼痛轻微。您的手臂将佩戴简单的吊带以提供舒适感。您可以取下吊带进行洗漱以及进行我们向您演示的练习。敷料将保留约10天;除非我们告知您,否则请勿在此之前取下。我们会在复诊时为您更换或拆除敷料。护士会协助您坐起、站立并短距离行走,通常在醒来后几小时内进行。请安排有人在您回家后的最初24小时内陪伴您。

恢复

手术后的最初几天以休息和舒适为主。神经阻滞通常在一天左右消退,之后肩部疼痛可能会比术前更明显。肩部和上臂周围的肿胀和瘀青属于正常现象,会在接下来的几周内逐渐消退。冰敷、休息以及我们开具的止痛药都有助于缓解这些症状。许多人最初发现坐在椅子上保持直立姿势或靠在枕头上睡觉更舒适,因为平躺可能会对肩部造成压力。

您的手臂会佩戴一个简单的吊带以提供舒适感。洗澡和进行物理治疗师教您的练习时,您可以取下吊带。这些练习从轻柔的小幅度动作开始,旨在防止肩关节在肌腱愈合期间变得僵硬。随着时间的推移,动作幅度会逐渐增大并增强力度,始终在物理治疗师的指导和您自身舒适度的范围内进行。在日常生活中,您可以行走、在屋内活动,并自由使用另一只手臂。在肩部准备好之前,您需要在提重物、搬运物品和向上伸展等较重的任务上寻求帮助。

一旦肿胀消退且活动能力恢复,日常活动将变得更加容易。穿衣、洗漱和轻度的家务活会最先恢复。驾驶需等到复查时外科医生确认您已获准,通常是在术后六周左右;详情请参阅我们关于上肢手术后驾驶的指南。工作和运动将分阶段恢复,前提是外科医生和物理治疗师一致认为肌腱已愈合得足够好。

每个人的恢复情况各不相同。您的时间表可能会有所不同,外科医生和物理治疗师将在整个过程中为您提供指导。

可能出现的问题

大多数患者恢复良好,但偶尔可能会出现并发症。您的外科医生和医疗团队会密切监测您的状况,以便尽早发现任何问题。

我们重点监测的是肌腱再次撕裂。这可能表现为在疼痛开始缓解后再次出现疼痛,以及您在抬举或伸展时感到无力。大多数再次撕裂发生在术后前六个月内,因此在此期间我们会密切关注您的肩部情况。如果您的疼痛或无力症状复发,请尽早告知我们,而不是等到下次复查。

感染并不常见,但需要迅速处理。如果您注意到深部搏动性疼痛且普通止痛药无法缓解、伤口周围红肿扩散、发热,或肩部感觉发热,请咨询您的全科医生或前往急诊科。有时,修复失败可能与难以察觉的低度感染有关。任何无法缓解的严重肩部疼痛或僵硬都应始终进行感染检查,因此请务必告知我们。

并非每次翻修手术都能达到无痛且肩部力量恢复的目标。有些人可能会发现其活动度改善不如预期,或者僵硬和无力持续存在。如果肌腱组织薄弱、撕裂范围较大或已出现关节炎,结果可能不如双方所愿。在您做出决定之前,我们会就您的扫描结果与您坦诚沟通。

还有一些因素会增加修复失败的风险。术后早期服用的某些抗生素与修复失败及需要二次手术有关。如果您在修复术后的几周内被处方任何新药,建议先与我们或您的全科医生确认。血液中的胆固醇问题也会影响肌腱的愈合效果,因此在讨论预期结果时,我们会将您的整体健康状况纳入考量。

如果您想了解具体数据,本页面中的并发症表格列出了典型的并发症发生率。

何时联系我们

如果您发现发热、伤口周围发红扩散、伤口有分泌物或疼痛持续加重,请立即致电我们。如果疼痛或无力在开始缓解后再次出现,或您的康复进度出现倒退,请尽早告知我们。如果您出现突发剧烈疼痛、小腿肿胀、呼吸困难、手臂感觉丧失或无法活动手臂,请立即前往急诊。大多数再次撕裂发生在术后最初六个月内,因此在此期间我们会密切关注您的肩部情况。

在哪里阅读更多关于该疾病的资料

本页介绍的是手术本身。该手术所治疗的疾病,包括关于手术何时有效、何时无效的证据,在肩袖疾病页面上有更详细的介绍。


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Interposition grafting using fascia lata autograft can repair multiple rotator cuff injuries to the greatest extent [1].
  • Interposition grafting using fascia lata autograft can restore the function of the shoulder joint [1].
  • Interposition grafting using fascia lata autograft can effectively relieve pain [1].
  • Biologic augmentation with a bioinductive collagen patch in revision rotator cuff tear repair reduces the retear rate at 12-month follow-up by 25% [2].
  • Biologic augmentation with a bioinductive collagen patch in revision rotator cuff tear repair yields similar improvements in clinical outcomes [2].
  • Biologic augmentation with a bioinductive collagen patch in revision rotator cuff tear repair is associated with no increased risk of complication [2].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Bony Anatomy

  • The proximal humerus comprises four main parts: the humeral head, greater tuberosity (GT), lesser tuberosity (LT), and humeral shaft [5].
  • The articular head of the proximal humerus is spherical with a diameter of 37 to 57 mm [5].
  • The most superior portion of the articular surface of the humeral head averages 8 mm above the greater tuberosity [5].
  • Humeral version averages 29.8 degrees, with a range of 10 to 55 degrees [5].
  • The humeral head is inclined approximately 130 degrees with respect to the humeral shaft [5].
  • The anatomic neck of the proximal humerus is located at the junction of the articular surface and the tuberosities [5].
  • The surgical neck represents an indistinct region, or metadiaphyseal junction, below the tuberosities but above the humeral shaft [5].
  • The greater tuberosity is located in a posterior-superior location with respect to the humeral shaft and serves as the attachment site for the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor tendons [5].
  • The lesser tuberosity is located on the anterior aspect of the proximal humerus and serves as the attachment site for the subscapularis tendon [5].
  • The bicipital groove lies between the greater and lesser tuberosities and serves as a pathway for the long head of the biceps [5].
  • The distal aspect of the bicipital groove is internally rotated with respect to the proximal portion [5].
  • The glenoid is a convex structure of shallow depth shaped like an inverted pear [5].
  • The glenoid articulates with the humeral head and serves as the attachment for the labrum and joint capsule [5].
  • The acromion, coracoacromial ligament, and coracoid process form the coracoacromial arch, a rigid bony-ligamentous structure that imparts stability to the shoulder girdle [5].
  • The rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, and subdeltoid bursa pass underneath the coracoacromial arch [5].
  • The scapula is attached to the axial skeleton by the clavicle, specifically via the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints [7].
  • The scapular body is triangular when viewed anteroposteriorly, with its base situated superiorly and its apex inferiorly [7].
  • The glenoid is connected with the flat body of the scapula by the scapular neck [7].
  • The hook-shaped coracoid process curves forwards from the superior surface of the scapular neck [7].
  • The scapular spine arises from the posterior surface of the scapular body and ends in a flattened bony process, the acromion, which curves forwards [7].
  • The distribution of bony mass in the scapula is highly uneven, with the highest concentration in the glenoid, scapular neck, and lateral border of the scapular body [7].
  • Two bony pillars extend between the glenoid and the scapular body to transmit compressive forces from the glenoid fossa [7].
  • The lateral pillar connects the inferior border of the glenoid with the inferior angle of the scapula [7].
  • The spinal pillar arises from the central part of the glenoid and continues medially to become part of the base of the scapular spine [7].
  • The weakest bone in the scapula is located primarily in the central part of the biomechanical body, specifically in the infraspinous fossa [7].
  • The weakest area of the circumference of the biomechanical body of the scapula is the spinomedial angle, where the scapular spine connects to the medial border [7].
  • The humeral head averages 19° of retroversion and 41° of inclination (neck-shaft angle) [8].
  • The glenoid averages 5° of retroversion in relation to the axis of the scapular body [8].
  • The subchondral bone of the glenoid is relatively flat, with the articular concavity augmented by cartilage and a circumferential labrum [8].
  • The neck-shaft angle measures an average of 135 degrees, and the humeral head is retroverted an average of 30 degrees [6].

Vascular Anatomy

  • The proximal humerus receives its blood supply from the anterior and posterior humeral circumflex branches from the third division of the axillary artery [5].
  • The posterior humeral circumflex artery travels with the axillary nerve, enters the quadrilateral space posteriorly, and anastomoses with a branch of the anterior circumflex to supply the posterior cuff [5].
  • The anterior humeral circumflex artery arises from the axillary artery at the inferior border of the subscapularis and provides vascular inflow to the humeral head via its terminal anterolateral branch, known as the artery of Laing or arcuate artery [5].
  • The ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery courses parallel to the lateral aspect of the long head biceps tendon and enters the humeral head at the interface of the bicipital groove and greater tuberosity [5].
  • Injury to the arcuate artery may result in osteonecrosis of the humeral head [5].
  • Additional extraosseous collateral branches can permit humeral head perfusion despite complete ligation of the arcuate artery [5].
  • The major blood supply to the humeral head is through the ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery, which penetrates the head at the bicipital groove and becomes the arcuate artery [6].
  • The anterolateral ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery provides the primary blood supply to the humeral head [8].
  • The terminal intraosseous portion of the anterior humeral circumflex artery enters at the proximal aspect of the intertubercular groove as the arcuate artery [8].

Soft Tissue & Ligamentous Anatomy

  • The rotator cuff consists of four muscles: the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor [6].
  • The teres major is not a rotator cuff muscle [6].
  • The rotator cuff muscles serve as depressors of the humeral head to allow the deltoid to efficiently abduct the humerus [6].
  • The infraspinatus and teres minor are external rotators, while the subscapularis is an internal rotator of the humerus [6].
  • The glenohumeral joint is stabilized dynamically by the rotator cuff via joint compression and by the positioning of the scapulothoracic joint [8].
  • Static stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint include articular congruity, the glenoid labrum, concavity-compression, negative intra-articular pressure, and the glenohumeral capsule and ligaments [8].
  • The glenoid labrum provides concavity and up to 50% of marginal glenoid socket depth [8].
  • The rotator interval is defined medially by the base of the coracoid, superiorly by the supraspinatus tendon, and inferiorly by the subscapularis tendon [8].
  • The rotator interval contains the coracohumeral ligament, the superior glenohumeral ligament, and the intra-articular portion of the long head of the biceps tendon [8].
  • Laxity of the rotator interval results in inferior laxity, known as the sulcus sign [8].
  • Contracture of the rotator interval is seen with adhesive capsulitis [8].
  • The coracohumeral ligament restricts external rotation in adduction and is a static restraint to inferior and posterior translation in adduction and external rotation [8].
  • The superior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior translation with the arm at the side [8].
  • The superior glenohumeral ligament, along with the coracohumeral ligament, forms a pulley that provides restraint against medial subluxation of the long head of the biceps tendon [8].
  • The middle glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior translation with the arm in external rotation and 45° of abduction [8].
  • The anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior-inferior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint in 90° of abduction and external rotation [8].
  • The posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against posterior-inferior translation in internal rotation and adduction [8].
  • The superior transverse scapular ligament arises from the medial base of the coracoid overlying the suprascapular notch [8].
  • The suprascapular artery runs superior to the superior transverse scapular ligament, while the nerve runs deep to it [8].
  • Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the superior transverse scapular ligament causes denervation of both the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus [8].
  • The spinoglenoid ligament overlies the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch [8].
  • Entrapment, traction, or compression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch causes denervation of the infraspinatus [8].
  • The subscapular bursa lies between the subscapularis tendon and the neck of the scapula and communicates with the joint cavity between the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments [9].
  • The subscapular bursa protects the tendon of the subscapularis at the point where it passes under the base of the coracoid process and over the neck of the scapula [9].
  • The subscapular bursa is linked to the coracoid process by a suspensory ligament [9].
  • In 28% of dissected specimens, the subscapular bursae merged with the subcoracoid bursae, forming a unique wide bursa [9].
  • The subscapular bursa often houses loose bodies in the shoulder and is a region where synovitis may be most intense [9].
  • A soft tissue sheath consistently covers the long head of the biceps tendon to the level of the proximal margin of the pectoralis major tendon and contributes to the roof of the bicipital tunnel [9].
  • The fibro-osseous bicipital tunnel consists of three distinct anatomic zones: Zone 1 (bony groove), Zone 2 ("no man's land" between subscapularis and pectoralis major), and Zone 3 (subpectoral region) [9].

Pathophysiology & Biomechanics

  • Stability and function of the glenohumeral joint are provided by the interaction of structures that promote a near global range of motion and purposeful function [5].
  • External loads transferred to the shoulder girdle are initially offset by joint surface anatomy, joint volume, atmospheric pressure, and joint fluid cohesion and adhesion [5].
  • Moderate and large loads are counterbalanced by the deltoid and rotator cuff, and by the capsulolabral and bone structures, respectively [5].
  • Pathologic conditions alter complex shoulder interactions, resulting in pain, decreased range of motion and stiffness, and disability [5].
  • Displacement of proximal humeral fracture fragments occurs in a predictable manner based on deforming forces created by the tendinous insertions of the pectoralis major, subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus [5].
  • The subscapularis inserts on the lesser tuberosity and causes medial displacement of the fragment [5].
  • The supraspinatus and infraspinatus insert on the greater tuberosity and cause superior and posterior displacement of the fragment [5].
  • The pectoralis major inserts on the humeral shaft and displaces it medially [5].
  • Fractures involving the anatomic neck are prognostically worse than fractures involving other regions of the proximal humerus due to potential disruption of the vascular supply to the humeral head and subsequent development of avascular necrosis [5].
  • Displaced proximal humeral fractures can impede normal movement of the rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, and subdeltoid bursa, causing impingement and disruption of normal glenohumeral motion [5].
  • In proximal humeral fractures, the subdeltoid and subacromial bursae can become thickened and fibrotic, forming adhesions that limit normal glenohumeral motion [5].
  • The glenoid cavity is a shallow socket, approximately one third the size of the humeral head [6].
  • Stability of the glenohumeral joint depends on the capsule, ligament, and muscle [6].
  • A redundant capsule allows for motion in the glenohumeral joint [6].
  • The scapula is separated from the chest wall by thin gliding fibro-fatty tissue, allowing its smooth excursion over the chest wall [7].
  • The scapula provides efficient support to the humeral head, allowing compressive forces to be optimally transmitted from the upper limb to the shoulder girdle without compromising stability or mobility of the glenohumeral joint [7].
  • The superior shoulder suspensory complex provides a stable connection between the scapula and the axial skeleton [8].
  • The superior shoulder suspensory complex is composed of the glenoid, coracoid process, coracoclavicular ligaments, distal clavicle, acromioclavicular joint, and acromion [8].
  • The superior strut of the superior shoulder suspensory complex comprises the middle clavicle [8].
  • The inferior strut of the superior shoulder suspensory complex comprises the lateral scapular border and spine of the scapula [8].
  • Normal shoulder motion is approximately two-thirds glenohumeral and one-third scapulothoracic [8].
  • The sternoclavicular joint is the only true diarthrodial articulation between the upper appendicular and axial skeletons [8].
  • The posterior sternoclavicular joint capsule and ligaments are the primary stabilizers to anterior and posterior translation of the medial clavicle [8].
  • The acromioclavicular joint is a small diarthrodial joint with an interposed fibrocartilaginous disk [8].
  • The superior and posterior acromioclavicular ligaments are the primary stabilizers to anterior and posterior horizontal translation of the clavicle [8].
  • The coracoclavicular ligaments, consisting of the conoid (medial) and trapezoid (lateral) ligaments, are the primary stabilizers to superior vertical translation of the distal clavicle [8].
  • The acromion has three ossification centers: the metacromion (base), mesoacromion (middle), and preacromion (tip) [8].
  • Failure of fusion of the acromial ossification centers results in os acromiale [8].
  • The relationship between acromial anatomy and rotator cuff disease remains controversial, with classification of acromial morphology challenged by poor interobserver reliability [8].
  • The relationship between coracoid morphology and subscapularis tears is controversial [8].
  • The coracobrachialis muscle and the short head of the biceps tendon originate from the coracoid process [8].
  • The pectoralis minor muscle inserts onto the medial coracoid process [8].
  • The proximal humerus has three centers of ossification: the humeral head (4 to 6 months), greater tuberosity (1 to 3 years), and lesser tuberosity (3 to 5 years) [8].
  • The ossification centers of the proximal humerus fuse to the shaft at age 17 to 20 years [8].
  • The clavicle is the first bone to ossify, occurring in the fifth week of gestation, and is the only long bone to ossify by intramembranous ossification [8].
  • The medial (sternal) epiphysis of the clavicle is the last ossification center to fuse, occurring at age 20 to 25 years [8].
  • The primary blood supply to the clavicle is periosteal, with no nutrient artery present [8].
  • Ossification of the scapular body begins at the eighth week of gestation [8].
  • The scapular spine is an osseous ridge that separates the supraspinatus and infraspinatus fossae [8].
  • The scapula has only one true diarthrodial articulation, the acromioclavicular joint [8].

Classification

  • Biologic augmentation with a bioinductive collagen patch in revision rotator cuff tear repair yields similar improvements in clinical outcomes compared to controls [2].
  • Biologic augmentation with a bioinductive collagen patch in revision rotator cuff tear repair does not increase the risk of complication [2].

Clinical Presentation

  • Biologic augmentation with a bioinductive collagen patch in revision rotator cuff tear repair reduces the retear rate by 25% at 12-month follow-up [2].

Investigations

Plain Radiography

  • The purpose of shoulder imaging is to help establish the diagnosis, determine the severity of the pathoanatomy, assist in surgical planning, and enable the surgeon to illustrate the condition of the shoulder to the patient [4].
  • Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for shoulder care [4].
  • The first key radiographic view is the anteroposterior (AP) view taken in the plane of the scapula such that the x-ray beam passes through the glenohumeral joint [4].
  • The AP view in the plane of the scapula shows the superoinferior position of the humeral head relative to the glenoid, the presence of osteophytes on the humeral head and glenoid, narrowing of the joint space, and the degree of medial displacement of the humerus in relation to the lateral acromial line [4].
  • The AP view in the plane of the scapula also shows the quality of the humeral and glenoid bone, the presence of loose bodies, and whether there is humeral head collapse or deformity [4].
  • The second key radiographic view is the axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula [4].
  • The axillary view is oriented so that both the spinoglenoid notch and the scapular neck are visible [4].
  • The axillary view shows a different perspective of the humeral anatomy, the amount of glenoid bone, the shape of the glenoid, its version in relation to the plane of the scapula, and the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid fossa [4].
  • The standardized axillary view is referred to as the "truth view" because it demonstrates the glenohumeral relationships in the functional position of elevation [4].
  • CT scans have the disadvantage of being taken with the arm in the adducted position, unlike the axillary truth view which is taken in elevation [4].
  • When taken properly, standardized anteroposterior and axillary views indicate the thickness of the cartilage space between the humerus and the glenoid, relative positions of the humeral head and the glenoid, presence of osteophytes, degree of osteopenia, and extent of bony deformity and erosion [4].
  • Joint space narrowing is most evident on the axillary truth view as opposed to images made with the arm at the side [4].
  • The axillary truth view can show posterior subluxation or "functional decentering" that is not evident in images taken with the arm at the side [4].
  • The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the plane of the scapula, the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the glenoid face, or the point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface [4].
  • The point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface reflects the degree of centering of the net humeral joint reaction force on the glenoid [4].
  • Malcentering of the joint reaction force leads to posterior instability, posterior glenoid wear, and "rocking horse" loosening of prosthetic glenoid components [4].
  • At least two X-ray views should be obtained: an anteroposterior in the plane of the glenoid and an axillary projection with the arm in abduction to show the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid [13].

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to identify osteonecrosis of the humeral head, or a bone tumour [13].
  • MRI can identify labral tears and rotator cuff tears, although the accuracy for these is enhanced by combining the scan with arthrography [13].

Computed Tomography

  • Computed tomography (CT) is helpful for planning fracture surgery and shoulder joint replacement [13].
  • CT scans may offer a few degrees of increased precision in the measurement of glenoid version, but this precision does not necessarily improve the quality of the surgery or the clinical outcome [4].

Ultrasonography

  • Ultrasonography is a simple and accurate test for identifying rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis [13].
  • Ultrasonography can be useful in guiding injections or barbotage (aspirating calcific deposits in the rotator cuff) [13].
  • The most commonly performed joint examination using ultrasonography is the shoulder examination [11].
  • The accuracy of rotator cuff ultrasonography depends on the skill of the scanner operator and an awareness of pitfalls that are encountered [11].

General Imaging Principles

  • The shoulder is a three-dimensional structure that cannot be represented by a single planar view [15].
  • Critical relationships, such as the degree of centering of the humeral head, change with the position of the arm [15].
  • Shoulder pathology may be found in a large number of different bones and soft tissues [15].
  • Overlying and superimposed structures as well as metallic implants may complicate imaging the structures of interest [15].
  • Surgeons need to develop a judicious approach to imaging that yields the information necessary to treat the patient while avoiding the tendency to "over-image" [15].
  • The temptation to "overimage" should be resisted, obtaining only the scans or reconstructions that are necessary for the care of the patient [4].
  • Proper radiographic technique is as important as proper surgical technique to achieve the desired outcome [4].

Key Evidence

  • [L5] This technique can repair multiple rotator cuff injuries to the greatest extent, restore the function of the shoulder joint, and effectively relieve pain. [1] (10.1016/j.eats.2023.08.027)
  • [L1] Biologic augmentation with a bioinductive collagen patch in revision rotator cuff tear repair reduces the rate at 12-month follow-up by 25%, yielding similar improvements in clinical outcomes and without any increased risk of complication. [2] (10.1016/j.jseint.2025.101507)

References

[1] Interposition Grafting Using Fascia Lata Autograft for Failed Rotator Cuff Repairs. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2023.08.027

[2] Biological augmentation in revision surgery: a matched-pair study of the effect of a nuns bioinductive collagen patch in patients with rotator cuff retear and a previous arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. JSES International. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2025.101507

[4] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Arthroscopic Management of Prearthritic and Arthritic Conditions of the Shoulder and the Postarthroplasty Shoulder > Radiographic Evaluation.

[5] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Shoulder and Elbow Specialty Clinic Workers’ Survey > ANATOMY.

[6] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 2Musculoskeletal Trauma Surgery > SHOULDER AND ARM INJURIES.

[7] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 29: Principles of Nonunion and Bone Defect Treatment > Applied Anatomy Related to Scapular Fractures.

[8] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Anatomy of the Shoulder, Arm, and Elbow > I. Shoulder.

[9] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint > Bursae.

[11] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Diagnostic Ultrasonography and Ultrasonography-­Guided Procedures > Annotated References.

[13] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. INVESTIGATION.

[15] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint > SENIOR EDITOR COMMENTARY.

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