This study investigates whether tightness of a small chest muscle called the pectoralis minor is associated with the development of partial rotator cuff tears in the shoulder. Using a propensity score matched case-control design, the study compares patients with rotator cuff tears (case group, n=45) to patients with intact rotator cuffs (control group, n=45).
Adults aged 18-55 who are evaluated by MRI and/or shoulder arthroscopy at Gazi University Hospital may be invited. The case group includes patients found to have partial rotator cuff tears during arthroscopy. The control group includes patients whose rotator cuff was documented as intact by MRI. Groups are matched 1:1 on age, sex, BMI, and dominant side.
Before surgery, two trained clinician measures shoulder posture and pectoralis minor length using simple external tools (a digital caliper and ruler-like square). For arthroscopy patients, the surgeon records general arthroscopic findings. No extra procedures are added for research.
We expect to include 90 participants total. The primary hypothesis is that pectoralis minor tightness is more prevalent in patients with rotator cuff tears compared to controls. A secondary hypothesis is that tears in patients with pectoralis minor tightness more often partial-thickness bursal side rotator cuff tear. Results may help clinicians understand shoulder mechanics and improve prevention or rehabilitation strategies.
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Inclusion criteria consisted of patients aged 18-55 years who were scheduled to undergo surgical treatment for a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear (case group) and individuals aged 18-55 years with no evidence of rotator cuff or other shoulder pathology on magnetic resonance imaging (control group). Patients were excluded if they had a history of trauma, thoracic outlet syndrome, systemic inflammatory disease, prior surgery on the affected shoulder, and declined participation in the examination.
Case-control
Prospective
Not listed
Pectoralis minor muscle length difference between case and control groups
Comparison of pectoralis minor (PM) muscle length (mm) and pectoralis minor index between patients with partial rotator cuff tears (case group) and patients with intact rotator cuffs (control group). PM length is measured as the linear distance from coracoid tip to rib attachment using a digital caliper. The pectoralis minor index was calculated by dividing the pectoralis minor length by the patient's height and multiplying the result by 100.
Case group
Arthroscopic classification of the partial rotator cuff tear appears to begin, recorded with a standardized intraoperative checklist in the case group only. Analysis evaluates whether PM-tight patients more frequently exhibit partial bursal side tear compared to non-tight patients within the RCT group.
Forward shoulder posture
Anterior displacement of the acromion relative to the thorax measured with a square ruler (standardized upright position). Three trials; mean used.
Medial Scapular Border Thoracic Distance
Medial scapular distance was measured as the shortest distance between the medial scapular border and the posterior chest wall using a ruler positioned perpendicular to the midpoint of the medial scapular border; three trials, mean used.
Thoracic Kyphosis and Proximal Kyphosis(Cobb angle)
Lateral thoracic radiograph measured using the Cobb method: superior endplate line of T5 and inferior endplate line of T12 (use closest visible end vertebrae if either is obscured). Lines perpendicular to each endplate are drawn; the included angle is recorded as the thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle. Proximal thoracic kyphosis is also measured between T2 and T5.
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