Imaging Review of Subscapularis Tendon and Rotator Interval Pathology

Abstract

As the largest rotator cuff muscle, the subscapularis plays a major role in stabilizing the glenohumeral joint, in conjunction with surrounding rotator cuff structures. Injury to the subscapularis tendon can be isolated, but more commonly is seen in conjunction with supraspinatus tendon pathology. Injury can be associated with biceps pulley instability, superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears, humeral head subluxation, and anterosuperior and coracoid impingements. The involvement of the rotator interval can lead to what is called “the hidden lesion,” due to its difficulty to diagnose during arthroscopy. Understanding the anatomical relations of the subscapularis tendon with the rest of the rotator cuff and rotator interval, as well as common patterns of injury that involve the subscapularis tendon, can aid in proper diagnosis of these injuries leading to prompt surgical repair. This review describes the anatomy of the subscapularis muscle and tendon, and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns of subscapularis tendon injury.

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

1. Introduction

The subscapularis muscle is the largest muscle of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff, consisting of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles, works in concert to facilitate movement and provide stability of the glenohumeral joint [1]. It is thought that the subscapularis prevents anterior dislocation of the humeral head from the glenoid fossa [1]. Functionally, the subscapularis works to internally rotate and adduct the humerus [2].

In this review, we will discuss subscapularis muscle and tendon anatomy, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns of subscapularis tendon injury, and associated pathology, and argue that proper diagnosis may influence prompt surgical repair.

2. Anatomy and Function

The subscapularis muscle (Figure 1), triangular in shape, arises as four to six collagen fiber bundles from the anterior surface of the scapula and posterior wall of the axilla to insert on the lesser tuberosity of the humerus, covering the anterior aspect of the humeral head [1, 3]. These collagen fibers merge with the supraspinatus fibers laterally to form the roof of the biceps tendon groove, which encompasses the long head of the biceps [1, 4, 5]. Inferior to the lesser tuberosity, the muscle inserts directly on the bone [6].

[figure omitted; refer to PDF]

The muscle itself can be divided into two segments, the upper two-thirds and lower one-third, respectively. The muscle provides both passive stabilization and dynamic stabilization of the glenohumeral joint, buttressing the joint from a posteriorly directed force. The upper segment of the muscle has been shown to be more involved with internal rotation, while the lower segment can help in external rotation while the arm is abducted [7–9]. These portions of the muscle and their corresponding tendons are each innervated by the superior and inferior subscapularis nerves, a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus [10].

The superior aspect of the subscapularis tendon provides the inferior border of the rotator interval, a triangular area in the anterosuperior glenohumeral joint capsule that is reinforced by the superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) and the coracohumeral ligament (CHL). The anterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon provides the superior border of the rotator interval, while the base of the coracoid process provides the lateral border [11–14]. The CHL traverses from the lateral aspect of the base of the coracoid, splitting into two bands: the lateral band crossing the biceps tendon to insert onto the greater tuberosity meshing with tendon fibers of the supraspinatus and the medial band inserting onto the lesser tuberosity and tendon fibers of the subscapularis (Figure 2). The SGHL arises at the supraglenoid tubercle to enmesh with the CHL and insert at the lesser tuberosity [12]. The SGHL also merges with the middle glenohumeral ligament to form a complex termed the medial sheath [11]. Both the CHL and the SGHL stabilize the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) within the bicipital groove along the anterior aspect of the humerus. The subscapularis tendon is intimately involved with these ligaments and with the stability of the LHBT, together forming the capsuloligamentous complex called the biceps pulley [11].

[figure omitted; refer to PDF]

3. Epidemiology and Diagnosis

Rotator cuff tears are relatively common, usually occurring in patients over the age of 40, and are often degenerative in nature [15]. Tears of the subscapularis tendon usually occur in combination with tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Subscapularis tendon tears are relatively uncommon, tending to occur in a slightly younger population than those that suffer tears of the rest of the rotator cuff [1, 5, 9]. It has been described that 2–6% of rotator cuff tears involve the subscapularis [1, 5]. Isolated subscapularis tears are even more rare [16]. Furthermore, the mechanism of injury of these isolated tears is usually due to an acute trauma, commonly involving hyperextension or external rotation of the abducted arm [5, 9, 15, 16].

As described above, patients may present with anterior instability and dislocation; however, many patients do not present with any clinical symptoms at all [6, 7, 9]. Barlow and Everhart described that 40% of patients who had a torn subscapularis tendon upon arthroscopy had normal physical examination findings [17]. Recent studies have shown that many subscapularis tears can be easily missed and that the incidence of such tears may actually range from 30 to 50% [18, 19]. However, clinical diagnosis can be achieved through specific physical findings. An increase in passive external rotation and weakness of internal rotation will be noted. A pathological “lift-off test” involving extension and internal rotation of the arm, as developed by Gerber and Krushell, is specific for disruption of the subscapularis muscle [16, 20].

Even upon arthroscopy, subscapularis tendon tears can be difficult to diagnose, especially if they are partial-thickness tears or demonstrate no retraction. Certain arthroscopies have difficulty visualizing the subscapularis tendon attachment at the lesser tuberosity. While the subscapularis tendon is difficult to access and visualize upon arthroscopy, recent attention and improved arthroscopic techniques have increased the incidence of detection of such lesions [21–23].

4. Classification Schemes of Subscapularis Tendon Tears

No concrete MRI grading scheme has been developed for rotator cuff tears. Different classification systems have been suggested for MRI and arthroscopy. Lafosse suggested a grading scheme using arthroscopy, with five different grades based on the extent of the tear [23]. Pfirrman et al. used an MRI grading scheme, which involved normal tendon (Grade 0), tear involving less than quarter of the tendon (Grade 1), tear involving more than quarter of the tendon (Grade 2), and a full-thickness tear (Grade 3) [4]. Similar grading of tears is used during MRI to create cohesion between the imaging and surgical findings [4]. Many other grading schemes for the subscapularis muscle have emerged such as Lyons and Green, and Fox classifications, which are based on insertion site lesions [18, 24, 25]. A classification by Yoo and colleagues bases itself on the 3D footprint of the subscapularis muscle as a whole, given the many attachment sites and planes through which the subscapularis muscle travels, differentiating tendon and muscular tear [18].

5. The Importance of Diagnosis

As the subscapularis plays an important role in the glenohumeral and bicipital stability, failure to address and repair a torn subscapularis tendon can lead to persistent pain. Mall et al. found that concomitant repair of the subscapularis tendon alongside the supraspinatus tendon provided more pain relief than repairing the supraspinatus tendon alone [9]. Other studies support that repair of the subscapularis tendon alongside the supraspinatus tendon decreases stress on the adjacent supraspinatus repair [19].

Failure to repair a concomitant subscapularis tendon tear has been found to compromise the normal biomechanical function of the tendon as described above and potential compromise of an associated posterosuperior rotator cuff tear repair [25, 26]. Chronically torn tendons undergo muscular atrophy and fatty degeneration, which have been described as negative predictors for a successful surgical repair [4, 8, 19].

However, small tears are easily missed; Adams et al. described a sensitivity of 36% and specificity of 100% for diagnosing subscapularis tendon tears on MRI [27]. Associated signs such as biceps pulley lesions or impingement may strongly suggest that a subscapularis tear, isolated tears, unless complete and retracted on imaging, can be easily missed [19]. Many of these tears are close to the articular cephalad surface (greater than 90% per ward) [19]. Preoperative MRI has also been found to miss tears unless they extend to at least half of the subscapularis tendon in the cephalad or caudal direction [27]. It is possible that accurate 3D footprinting of the tendon as described by Yoo et al. may provide a more reliable way of diagnosing articular surface tears [18].

Adams et al. provided a systemic approach to diagnose a subscapularis tear on MRI, including axial cuts to evaluate subscapularis tears, axial cuts to evaluate subluxation of the biceps tendon, sagittal cuts to evaluate subscapularis atrophy, and sagittal images to evaluate subscapularis tears at the tendinous insertion onto the lesser tuberosity [28]. Accurate diagnosis of subscapularis tendon tears may provide value in preoperative preparation and accurate repair [21].

6. MRI Sequences

MRI and MR arthrography (MRA) of the shoulder joint usually include three planes including the axial, oblique coronal, and oblique sagittal planes. The subscapularis is best evaluated on axial and oblique sagittal planes [4]. Axial images allow visualization of the subscapularis tendon as it inserts into the lesser tuberosity and the long head of the biceps tendon as it travels in the bicipital groove (Figures 3 and 4) [15]. Furthermore, parasagittal images have shown a higher specificity for subscapularis tendon lesions when compared with axial imaging [4]. Overall, the sensitivity for the diagnosis of rotator cuff lesions on MRA can range from 71% to 100%, with full-thickness tears having a sensitivity of 100% and diagnosis of subscapularis tendon lesions having a sensitivity of 91% [4, 29]. MRI with or without intra-articular contrast has been found to have a sensitivity of 31–91% in diagnosing subscapularis tendon tears, quite different from the sensitivity of 80–100% in diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tears [25]. In a 2012 study by Foad and Wijdicks, MRA did not show an increased detection rate in diagnosing a subscapularis tendon tear [30].

[figures omitted; refer to PDF]

[figures omitted; refer to PDF]

7. Pathology of Subscapularis Tendon Tears on MRI

The pattern of subscapularis tendon tears has been described by Pfirrman et al. to include three types: isolated, involving the supraspinatus tendon, or involving the rotator interval [4].

7.1. Isolated Tears

Isolated tears of the subscapularis muscle have been described in the setting of anterior dislocation of the humeral head and recurrent anterior instability [4]. The most common site of tear is at the tendinous interface with the lesser tuberosity of the humerus; Ward et al. described that greater than 90% of subscapularis tendon tears occur along this articular surface [19] (Figure 5). The commonality of symptoms with other rotator cuff tears makes localization of subscapularis tears difficult [15]. On MRI, isolated complete subscapularis tendon tears will demonstrate poorly defined contours with fluid signal intensity (Figure 5). Less commonly, the tendon will show discontinuity and retraction of the tendon fibers [1, 15, 19].

[figures omitted; refer to PDF]

Osseous changes, however, can unveil a subscapularis injury; lesser tuberosity cysts have been shown to be specific [2, 3] for tears alongside fatty atrophy of the muscle, a sign of chronic injury. The mechanism of these osseous changes is thought to be through either impingement of the lesser tuberosity or fluid intrusion through cortical infarctions [2].

7.2. Association with Tears of the Supraspinatus Tendon

More commonly, subscapularis tendon tears are associated with supraspinatus tendon tears (Figure 6), at the lesser tuberosity of the humerus [15]. These can appear as an extension of a large supraspinatus tear through the subscapularis tendon or as an anterosuperior rotator cuff lesion extending through structures such as the CHL and SGHL to involve the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons [4].

[figures omitted; refer to PDF]

7.3. Association with the Rotator Interval and the Biceps Pulley

Injury to the rotator interval, of which the subscapularis tendon forms the inferior border, can produce what has been described as “hidden lesions” [12], due to the difficulty in diagnosis during arthroscopy. The injury will lead to biceps instability, with the potential involvement of the SGHL and CHL (Figures 7 and 8). Lee et al. described 27% of biceps pulley lesions involving the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons and 47% of that involving the SGHL and CHL [13]. This association is further solidified in a grading system formulated by Bennet in 2001 [12, 13], which assesses the involvement of the subscapularis tendon, SGHL, CHL, and supraspinatus tendon [11]. Many tears of the anterior supraspinatus tendon and superior subscapularis tendon (anterosuperior rotator cuff) have been found to dissect into the CHL, which may also involve the medial sheath, otherwise known as the SGHL-MGHL complex [11] as demonstrated by the Bennet classification. Furthermore, full-thickness tears of the subscapularis tendon with humeral avulsion of SGHL-MGHL complex have been shown to medially sublux, presenting as a curved band of tissue obscuring the rotator interval upon arthroscopy, and dubbed the “comma sign” [22, 31].

[figures omitted; refer to PDF]

[figures omitted; refer to PDF]

The difficulty in diagnosis of rotator interval lesions lies in the variability of rotator interval appearance on MRI [14]. Failure to address these lesions upon arthroscopic repair produces persistent instability [11–14].

Subscapularis tendon tears can also lead to biceps tendon instability and subsequent subluxation (Figures 5, 8, and 9). The pathogenesis for these lesions varies from degeneration, trauma, to sequelae of a rotator cuff injury [32]. Upon MRI, patients may show bicipital subluxation [15, 33] and anteromedial dislocation of the long head of the biceps tendon [1, 4, 32]. This medial dislocation has been said to be diagnostic for subscapularis tendon tears [4, 34]. One study demonstrated subluxation of the biceps tendon to be always associated with supraspinatus tendon tears and subscapularis tendon lesions [35], and Schaeffeler et al. posited that exclusion of biceps pulley lesions may avoid unnecessary diagnostic arthroscopy [34].

[figures omitted; refer to PDF]

MRI-proven abnormalities of the superior aspect of the subscapularis tendon have shown a high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value with surgically proven biceps pulley lesion, even if the lesions of the biceps pulley were not evident by imaging [36]. In fact, Urita et al. demonstrated that those patients with subscapularis tendon tears on MRI were 6 times more likely to have a severe grade biceps tendon disorder found during surgery when compared to those without a subscapularis tendon tear [37].

7.4. Association with Impingement

Subscapularis tendon tears can also lead to anterosuperior impingement, a painful process from impingement of the deep tendinous surface of the subscapularis and the biceps pulley along the anterosuperior glenoid rim. This is elicited by horizontal adduction and internal rotation of the arm [13, 32]. These develop from, amongst other reasons, SGHL injuries with a partial subscapularis tendon tear [32]. Impingement has even been described as a marker for increased surgical failure [3].

On the other hand, subcoracoid impingement occurs when a part of the rotator cuff finds itself between the coracoid process and the head of the humerus, with a significant decrease in the average coracohumeral distance and the distance between the lesser tuberosity of the humerus and the coracoid process [3, 38] (Figure 9). A normal coracohumeral distance has been described as 11 mm, while Friedman et al. asserted that a patient will become symptomatic with a coracohumeral distance less than 5.5 mm [38]. However, there is debate in the literature on whether the severity of a subscapularis tendon tear is related to the measured subcoracoid interval [3]. Giaroli et al. described that the coracohumeral distance measurement may be only of use if the patient is symptomatic [39].

7.5. Association with SLAP Tears

Superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears may be seen in conjunction with subscapularis and proximal biceps tendon injuries (Figures 6, 8, and 9). Hawi et al. described that 47.2% of a biceps pulley lesion had a SLAP tear [40]. As the long head of the biceps tendon anchors upon the superior labrum, SLAP tears have a similar pathogenesis as biceps pulley lesions such as trauma including a fall on an outstretched hand or degeneration [13, 33]. It is described that the original dislocation event alters the biomechanical forces of the glenohumeral joint, damaging the anterior glenoid cartilage and labrum; recurrent shoulder instability exacerbates the damage [32]. Furthermore, the mechanism of SLAP tears is similar to partial tears of the subscapularis and supraspinatus, including fall on an outstretched hand and an overhead throwing motion [41, 42].

7.6. Association with Anterior Dislocation of the Humeral Head

As stated above, anterior dislocation may be associated with subscapularis tendon tears, and such injuries coincide with humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL), specifically the inferior glenohumeral ligament [42]. Other findings associated with anterior dislocation include the Hill–Sachs deformities and the Bankart lesions (Figure 9) [40, 42, 43]. MRA has been reported to show a “J”-shaped inferior glenohumeral ligament with extravasation of contrast from the joint space [44].

8. Conclusion

Subscapularis tendon and neighboring anatomy pathology can be difficult to diagnose on physical examination and imaging. Failure to address tears to the subscapularis tendon can lead to delayed surgical repair, ongoing pain, and limited function and stability of the glenohumeral joint. Attention to the subscapularis tendon is rising, with a greater understanding aiding a systematic approach for better diagnosis. Increased perception for the subscapularis tendon, the biceps pulley, and rotator interval not only helps patients improve their quality of life but bring this pathology out of hiding.

References

[1] X.-X. Li, M. E. Schweitzer, J. A. Bifano, J. Lerman, G. L. Manton, K. I. Ei-Noueam, "MR evaluation of subscapularis tears," Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography, vol. 23 no. 5, pp. 713-717, DOI: 10.1097/00004728-199909000-00014, 1999.

[2] U. Studler, C. W. A. Pfirrman, B. Jost, "Abnormalities of the lesser tuberosity on radiography and MRI: association with subscapularis tendon lesions," American Journal of Roentgenology, vol. 191, pp. 100-106, 2009.

[3] D. Bergin, L. Parker, A. Zoga, W. Morrison, "Abnormalities on MRI of the subscapularis tendon in the presence of a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear," American Journal of Roentgenology, vol. 186 no. 2, pp. 454-459, DOI: 10.2214/ajr.04.1723, 2006.

[4] C. W. A. Pfirrmann, M. Zanetti, D. Weishaupt, C. Gerber, J. Hodler, "Subscapularis tendon tears: detection and grading at MR arthrography," Radiology, vol. 213 no. 3, pp. 709-714, DOI: 10.1148/radiology.213.3.r99dc03709, 1999.

[5] R. M. Patten, "Tears of the anterior portion of the rotator cuff (the subscapularis tendon): MR imaging findings," American Journal of Roentgenology, vol. 162 no. 2, pp. 351-354, DOI: 10.2214/ajr.162.2.8310926, 1994.

[6] P. P. Symeonides, "The significance of the subscapularis muscle in the pathogenesis of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder," The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, vol. 54-B no. 3, pp. 476-483, DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.54b3.476, 1972.

[7] S. Rathi, N. F. Taylor, N. F. Taylor, R. A. Green, "The upper and lower segments of subscapularis muscle have different roles in glenohumeral joint functioning," Journal of Biomechanics, vol. 63, pp. 92-97, DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.08.007, 2017.

[8] M. Alilet, J. Behr, J.-P. Nueffer, B. Barbier-Brion, S. Aubry, "Multi-modal imaging of the subscapularis muscle," Insights into Imaging, vol. 7 no. 6, pp. 779-791, DOI: 10.1007/s13244-016-0526-1, 2016.

[9] N. A. Mall, J. Chahal, W. M. Heard, B. R. Bach, C. A. Bush-Joseph, A. A. Romeo, N. N. Verma, "Outcomes of arthroscopic and open surgical repair of isolated subscapularis tendon tears," Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, vol. 28 no. 9, pp. 1306-1314, DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2012.02.018, 2012.

[10] R. L. Drake, A. W. Vogl, A. W. M. Mitchell, Gray’s Anatomy for Students, 2010.

[11] C. N. Petchprapa, L. S. Beltran, L. M. Jazrawi, Y. W. Kwon, J. S. Babb, M. P. Recht, "The rotator interval: a review of anatomy, function, and normal and abnormal MRI appearance," American Journal of Roentgenology, vol. 195 no. 3, pp. 567-576, DOI: 10.2214/ajr.10.4406, 2010.

[12] Y. Morag, J. A. Jacobson, G. Shields, R. Rajani, D. A. Jamadar, B. Miller, C. W. Hayes, "MR arthrography of rotator interval, long head of the biceps brachii, and biceps pulley of the shoulder," Radiology, vol. 235 no. 1, pp. 21-30, DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2351031455, 2005.

[13] J. C. Lee, S. Guy, D. Connell, A. Saifuddin, S. Lambert, "MRI of the rotator interval of the shoulder," Clinical Radiology, vol. 62 no. 5, pp. 416-423, DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2006.11.017, 2007.

[14] R. M. Frank, D. Taylor, N. N. Verma, A. A Romeo, T. S Mologne, M. T Provencher, "The rotator interval of the shoulder: implications in the treatment of shoulder instability," Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 3,DOI: 10.1177/2325967115621494, 2015.

[15] A. Deutsch, D. W. Altchek, D. M. Veltri, H. G. Potter, R. F. Warren, "Traumatic tears of the subscapularis tendon," The American Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 25 no. 1, pp. 13-22, DOI: 10.1177/036354659702500104, 1997.

[16] J. J. P. Warner, A. A. Allen, C. Gerber, "Diagnosis and management of subscapularis tendon tears," Techniques in Orthopaedics, vol. 9 no. 2, pp. 116-125, DOI: 10.1097/00013611-199400920-00006, 1994.

[17] J. D. Barlow, J. S. Everhart, "Arthroscopic subscapularis repair through a single anterior portal," Arthroscopy Techniques, vol. 6 no. 5, pp. e1593-e1598, DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2017.06.014, 2017.

[18] J. C. Yoo, Y. G. Rhee, S. J. Shin, Y. B. Park, M. H. McGarry, B. J. Jun, T. Q. Lee, "Subscapularis tendon tear classification based on 3-dimensional anatomic footprint: a cadaveric and prospective clinical observational study," Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, vol. 31 no. 1, pp. 19-28, DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.08.015, 2015.

[19] J. R. N. Ward, N. Lotfi, R. G. Dias, T. J. Mcbride, "Diagnostic difficulties in the radiological assessment of subscapularis tears," Journal of Orthopaedics, vol. 15 no. 1, pp. 99-101, DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2018.01.016, 2018.

[20] C. Gerber, R. Krushell, "Isolated rupture of the tendon of the subscapularis muscle. Clinical features in 16 cases," The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, vol. 73-B no. 3, pp. 389-394, DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.73b3.1670434, 1991.

[21] J. Lee, D. R. Shukla, J. Sánchez-Sotelo, "Subscapularis tears: hidden and forgotten no more," JSES Open Access, vol. 2 no. 1, pp. 74-83, DOI: 10.1016/j.jses.2017.11.006, 2018.

[22] A. Atinga, T. Dwyer, J. S. Theodoropoulos, K. Dekirmendjian, A. M. Naraghi, L. M. White, "Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging accurately detects the arthroscopic comma sign in subscapularis tears," Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, vol. 37 no. 10, pp. 3062-3069, DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.04.040, 2021.

[23] L. Lafosse, U. Lanz, B. Saintmard, C. Campens, "Arthroscopic repair of subscapularis tear: surgical technique and results," Orthopaedics and Traumatology: Surgery & Research, vol. 96 no. 8, pp. S99-S108, DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2010.09.009, 2010.

[24] H. Saremi, "Interstitial tear of the subscapularis tendon, arthroscopic findings and technique of repair," The archives of bone and joint surgery, vol. 4, pp. 177-180, 2016.

[25] M. Smucny, E. C. Shin, A. L. Zhang, B. T. Feeley, T. Gajiu, S. L. Hall, C. B. Ma, "Poor agreement on classification and treatment of subscapularis tendon tears," Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, vol. 32 no. 2, pp. 246-251, DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2015.08.006, 2016.

[26] J. B. Ticker, S. S. Burkhart, "Why repair the subscapularis? A logical rationale," Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, vol. 27 no. 8, pp. 1123-1128, DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2011.03.001, 2011.

[27] C. R. Adams, J. D. Schoolfield, S. S. Burkhart, "Accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in predicting a subscapularis tendon tear based on arthroscopy," Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, vol. 26 no. 11, pp. 1427-1433, DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2010.02.028, 2010.

[28] C. R. Adams, P. C. Brady, S. S. Koo, P. Narbona, P. Arrigoni, G. J. Karnes, S. S. Burkhart, "A systematic approach for diagnosing subscapularis tendon tears with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans," Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, vol. 28 no. 11, pp. 1592-1600, DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2012.04.142, 2012.

[29] L. Lin, H. Yan, J. Xiao, Z. He, H. Luo, X. Cheng, Y. Ao, G. Cui, "The diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging for different types of subscapularis lesions," Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, vol. 24 no. 7, pp. 2252-2258, DOI: 10.1007/s00167-014-3335-4, 2016.

[30] A. Foad, C. A. Wijdicks, "The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrogram versus arthroscopy in the diagnosis of subscapularis tendon injury," Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, vol. 28 no. 5, pp. 636-641, DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2011.10.006, 2012.

[31] M. Zappia, F. Ascione, A. M. Romano, F. Di Pietto, G. Nastrucci, A. Collina, L. Brunese, "Comma sign of subscapularis tear: diagnostic performance and magnetic resonance imaging appearance," Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, vol. 30 no. 5, pp. 1107-1116, DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.07.047, 2021.

[32] W. Nakata, S. Katou, A. Fujita, M. Nakata, A. T. Lefor, H. Sugimoto, "Biceps pulley: normal anatomy and associated lesions at MR arthrography," RadioGraphics, vol. 31 no. 3, pp. 791-810, DOI: 10.1148/rg.313105507, 2011.

[33] L. Nove-Josserand, C. Levigne, E. Noel, G. Walch, "Isolated lesions of the subscapularis muscle," Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot, vol. 80, pp. 595-601, 1994.

[34] C. Schaeffeler, S. Waldt, K. Holzapfel, C. Kirchhoff, P. M. Jungmann, P. Wolf, M. Schröder, E. J. Rummeny, A. B. Imhoff, K. Woertler, "Lesions of the biceps pulley: diagnostic accuracy of MR arthrography of the shoulder and evaluation of previously described and new diagnostic signs," Radiology, vol. 264 no. 2, pp. 504-513, DOI: 10.1148/radiol.12112007, 2012.

[35] G. Walch, L. Nové-Josserand, P. Boileau, C. Levigne, "Subluxations and dislocations of the tendon of the long head of the biceps," Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, vol. 7 no. 2, pp. 100-108, DOI: 10.1016/s1058-2746(98)90218-x, 1998.

[36] D. Weishaupt, M. Zanetti, A. Tanner, C. Gerber, J. Hodler, "Lesions of the reflection pulley of the long biceps tendon," Investigative Radiology, vol. 34 no. 7, pp. 463-469, DOI: 10.1097/00004424-199907000-00004, 1999.

[37] A. Urita, T. Funakoshi, T. Amano, Y. Matsui, D. Kawamura, Y. Kameda, N. Iwasaki, "Predictive factors of long head of the biceps tendon disorders-the bicipital groove morphology and subscapularis tendon tear," Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, vol. 25 no. 3, pp. 384-389, DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2015.12.015, 2016.

[38] R. J. Friedman, P. M. Bonutti, B. Genez, "Cine magnetic resonance imaging of the subcoracoid region," Orthopedics, vol. 21, pp. 545-548, 1998.

[39] E. L. Giaroli, N. M. Major, D. E. Lemley, J. Lee, "Coracohumeral interval imaging in subcoracoid impingement syndrome on MRI," American Journal of Roentgenology, vol. 186 no. 1, pp. 242-246, DOI: 10.2214/ajr.04.0830, 2006.

[40] N. Hawi, E. Liodakis, C. Garving, P. Habermeyer, M. Tauber, "Pulley lesions in rotator cuff tears: prevalence, etiology, and concomitant pathologies," Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, vol. 137 no. 8, pp. 1097-1105, DOI: 10.1007/s00402-017-2721-z, 2017.

[41] S. Modarresi, D. Motamedi, C. M. Jude, "Superior labral anteroposterior lesions of the shoulder: Part 2, mechanisms and classification," American Journal of Roentgenology, vol. 197 no. 3, pp. 604-611, DOI: 10.2214/ajr.11.6575, 2011.

[42] A. V. R. Mohana-Borges, C. B. Chung, D. Resnick, "Superior labral anteroposterior tear: classification and diagnosis on MRI and MR arthrography," American Journal of Roentgenology, vol. 181 no. 6, pp. 1449-1462, DOI: 10.2214/ajr.181.6.1811449, 2003.

[43] T. Magee, "Prevalence of HAGL lesions and associated abnormalities on shoulder MR examination," Skeletal Radiology, vol. 43 no. 3, pp. 307-313, DOI: 10.1007/s00256-013-1778-1, 2014.

[44] C. L. Carlson, "The “J” sign," Radiology, vol. 232 no. 3, pp. 725-726, DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2323021239, 2004.