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Infraspinatus tendon cleavage tear

Case contributed by Yahya Baba
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Left shoulder pain with restricted range of motion for 6 months. History of trauma to the shoulder.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
  • full-thickness partial-width tear of the supraspinatus tendon with retraction of the proximal segment.

  • slit of fluid signal intensity involving the infraspinatus tendon in keeping with cleavage tear (seen also on axial and coronal images)

  • fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles

  • linear non-transmural intrasubstance slit of fluid signal intensity involving the subscapularis tendon with associated tendinopathy

  • fluid in the subacromial bursa

  • acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis

  • acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis

  • the radiographs are unremarkable otherwise

Case Discussion

Features of rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus tendon (full-thickness tear), infraspinatus tendon (cleavage tear), and subscapularis tendinopathy with intrasubstance tear.

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