Measurement of Coracohumeral Distance: A New Method Using a 3-Dimensional Multiplanar Reformatted MR Image

Hye Jin Yoo¹, Hye Yeon Oh¹, Sung Hwan Hong¹, Ja Young Choi¹, Hee Dong Chae¹ and Sae Hoon Kim*²

Received:October 01, 2018;   Published: October 11, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.09.001875

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Abstract

Objective: The purpose our study was to demonstrate a new method to reliably measure the coracohumeral distance (CHD) using a 3-dimensional multiplanar reformatted (3-D MPR) MR image.

Materials and Methods: Seventy-seven shoulder MRIs were retrospectively reviewed (32 males,45 females; 61.6±6.6 years). The patients were categorized based on the extent of the subscapularis tendon (SScT) tear: normal tendon (SScT0) (n=32); full-thickness tear involving < 70% of tendon SScTF) (n=38); near-complete tear involving ≥70% of tendon (SScTC)(n=7). Twenty-five patients were also analyzed as a control group. The shortest CHD was measured on both traditional axial images (CHDax) and MPR MR images (CHD3D) using a new method. The correlation between CHDax and CHD3D was evaluated. Then, differences in CHD among groups were analyzed. Several MR imaging findings were assessed to determine whether they had any relationship with CHDs.

Results: There was almost perfect agreement between the readers in measuring CHDs. There was a strong correlation of 0.77 (p< 0.001) between CHDax and CHD3D values. For SScT abnormality, the CHD3D was significantly narrowed in the SScTC group, compared to the control and other patient groups (p=0.049). However, there was no correlation between the CHDax and SScT abnormalities (p=0.401). Lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon and decentering of the humeral head were significantly associated with a SScT tear (p< 0.001).

Conclusion: CHD3D could be reliably measured on MPR images using the new method. The CHD3D was smaller in patients with a near complete tear of the SScT, compared to those without. There was a greater statistical correlation of SScT abnormalities with CHD3D than with traditional CHDax.

Keywords : Coracohumeral Distance; Subscapularis Tendon Tear; Subcoracoid Impingement; Magnetic Resonance Image; Multiplanar Reformatted Image; 3-Dimensional

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