Isolated lesions of the subscapularis tendon and internal malpositions of the biceps tendon. Apropos of 45 cases
Bernageau, J.; Goutallier, D.
Journal de Radiologie 78(12): 1255-1263
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0221-0363 PMID: 9499965 Document Number: 470081
Our series consists of 45 lesions of the subscapularis tendon investigated by arthrography and CT arthrography. Arthrography demonstrated opacification of the subacromial bursa in 24% of cases, internal malposition of the long head of biceps in 46% of cases and direct signs of a lesion of the subscapularis tendon in 91% of cases. CT arthrography showed incomplete transverse avulsion in 18% of cases and complete transverse avulsion in 82% of cases. The biceps was dislocated in 35% of cases, and subluxed in 11% of cases. The subscapularis muscle was infiltrated by fat in 46% of cases. Isolated lesions of the subscapularis can be difficult to diagnose clinically and are more frequent than generally thought. CT arthrography must therefore be requested at the slightest doubt, as the intraoperative search for a lesion of the subscapularis tendon is sometimes difficult.