Korean J Sports Med.  2023 Sep;41(3):169-172. 10.5763/kjsm.2023.41.3.169.

Isolated Subscapularis Tear during Sparring in a Professional Boxer: A Case Report

• Kim JB
• Lee SH
• Kim CH
• Kim WJ

• KMID: 2545832
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2023.41.3.169

Abstract

The subscapularis tendon is the largest and most powerful muscle in the rotator cuff, playing a more important role in raising the arm than the supraspinatus or infraspinatus tendon. Subscapularis tendon tears are uncommon, but when it does occur, symptoms are often minimal and diagnosis can be delayed until severe atrophy occurs, leading to weakness of the shoulder muscles. Therefore, early diagnosis and surgical repair of suspected subscapularis tendon injury in athletes is very important for achieving the best functional outcome. Shoulder injuries in professional boxers have been reported to account for only about 3% of all boxing injuries, but there is no specific research on the specific location of these injuries. In this study, the authors report on a case of isolated subscapularis tendon injury that occurred during sparring in a professional boxer and discuss the mechanism of injury and treatment outcomes along with a review of the literature.

Keyword

Subscapularis; Boxing

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Axial (A) and sagittal (B) cuts of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the left shoulder demonstrating full-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon (arrows).

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  Fig. 2 (A) Full-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon (arrow) from the posterior portal with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. (B) Repaired subscapularis tendon using two suture anchors.

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  Fig. 3 Postoperative ultrasonographic imaging at 6 months showing an intact subscapularis tendon repair (arrow).

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  Fig. 4 (A, B) The anteroposterior and lateral movements prior performing the lead long hook. (C) The movements after performing the lead long hook. (D) A tear of the subscapularis tendon (arrowhead) may occur between these movements.

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