Abstract
Background. The critical shoulder angle (CSA) has been used as a tool for identifying patients with high risk of developing a rotator cuff tear (RCT). A CSA angle larger than 35 degrees has been shown to be associated with increased risk of RCT. The aim of this study was to determine if this concept is applicable to a Middle Eastern cohort of patients.
Methods. This retrospective observational study included 44 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair between 2016 and 2021 in KFUH was compared to 45 patients with normal shoulders. The CSA was measured by two independent observers on anterior-posterior radiographs. The collected data was analyzed. P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results. The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) CSA measured on pre-operative radiographs was significantly higher in patients with RCT (36.66 degrees +/- 4.62 degrees) compared to patients with normal shoulder (31.97 degrees +/- 3.37 degrees), P-value < 0.033.
Conclusions. Our current study confirms that the association of high CSA with risk of rotator cuff tears is applicable in a cohort of Middle Eastern patients, as the CSA was higher in patients who underwent RCT repair when compared to patients with normal shoulders.