[Nuclear magnetic resonance tomography of changes in the supraspinatus tendon in impingement syndrome of the athlete]

Abstract

In 13 athletes with impingement-syndrome we evaluated the shoulder joints by MRI. We found significant changes at the bone-tendon junction of the supraspinatus tendon at the major tubercle. There were no intratendinous ruptures. The site of the pathologic changes at the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon may be caused by a tendinosis. Other reasons for the impingement-syndrome are discussed. According to our results an insertional tendinosis may be the reason for impingement-syndromes in athletes.

Clinical relevance: Differentiation of impingement-syndrome may lead to a therapy based on the pathology. A subacromial decompression with resection of the coracoacromial ligament and anterior acromioplasty may not be of benefit to patients with insertional tendinosis of the supraspinatus tendon.