Summary of Subcortical Cystic Changes of the Humeral Tuberosities
1. Incidence
Found in 15% to 45% of asymptomatic shoulders, often linked to ageing and rotator cuff pathology.
2. Classification
Classified by location: bare area, lesser tuberosity, anterior greater tuberosity, and posterior greater tuberosity.
3. Bare-Area Cysts
Most common type, located in the posterosuperior humeral head. Likely a normal variant without correlation to rotator cuff tears.
4. Lesser Tuberosity Cysts
Associated with subscapularis tears in older individuals and subcoracoid impingement in younger individuals.
5. Anterior Greater Tuberosity Cysts
Found near the supraspinatus insertion and associated with supraspinatus tendon tears.
6. Posterior Greater Tuberosity Cysts
Linked to infraspinatus tendon tears and posterosuperior (internal) impingement.
7. Subchondral Cysts
Seen in degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and trauma.
Reference
Quant Imaging Med Surg. 2022 Aug; 12(8):4304-4315.
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