Comma sign of subscapularis tear

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 24 Feb 2022

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Knipe H, Comma sign of subscapularis tear. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 24 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-96817

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-96817

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/96817

rID:

96817

Article created:

21 Jan 2022, Henry Knipe ◉ ◈

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Henry Knipe had no recorded disclosures.

View Henry Knipe's current disclosures

Last revised:

24 Feb 2022, Henry Knipe ◉ ◈

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Henry Knipe had no recorded disclosures.

View Henry Knipe's current disclosures

Revisions:

2 times, by 1 contributor - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal

Sections:

Signs

Tags:

refs, cases

The comma sign of subscapularis tear was first described on arthroscopy but recognized later on MRI. The comma sign represents a full thickness partial width superior subscapularis tear along with torn superior glenohumeral and coracohumeral ligament insertional fibers vertically retracted via adherent fibers to a medially-displaced anterior supraspinatus tear ^1,2. Two series have shown a sensitivity of ~75% (range 63-91%) and specificity of ~97% (range 94-99%) ^1,2.

Radiographic features

MRI

The comma sign can be identified on any plane but best assessed in the coronal plane ², where it is described as a low T1/T2 signal comma-shaped fibrous band anteromedial to the anterior glenoid extending vertically from the subscapularis tendon lateral to the coracoid process to the superior glenohumeral capsule ^1,2.