Subscapularis recess
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- updated 27 Nov 2023:
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The subscapularis recess, also known as the superior subscapularis recess or subscapularis bursa,is a normal extension of the glenohumeral joint capsule in between the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments.
Radiographic features
MRI
On sagittal oblique sequences and when distended with fluid, it may form aappear saddlebag-like appearance by hanging over the subscapularis tendon, inferior to the coracoid process.
Differential diagnosisClinical importance
It is important not to confuse the subscapular recess with the subcoracoid bursa
- , the latter does not communicate with the glenohumeral joint
- and has a more caudal extent
Related pathology
Distension of the subscapularis recess in the setting of shoulder pain suggests adhesive capsulitis, especially in the setting of nocturnal pain and middle-aged patients 3,4.
-<p>The <strong>subscapularis recess</strong>, also known as the <strong>superior subscapularis recess </strong>or <strong>subscapularis bursa</strong>,<strong> </strong>is a normal extension of the <a href="/articles/glenohumeral-joint">glenohumeral joint</a> capsule in between the superior and middle <a href="/articles/glenohumeral-ligaments">glenohumeral ligaments</a>.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>MRI</h5><p>On sagittal oblique sequences and when distended with fluid, it may form a saddlebag-like appearance by hanging over the <a href="/articles/subscapularis-muscle-2">subscapularis tendon</a>, inferior to the coracoid process.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis</h4><ul><li>-<a href="/articles/subcoracoid-bursa">subcoracoid bursa</a><ul>-<li>does not communicate with the glenohumeral joint</li>-<li>has a more caudal extent</li>-</ul>-</li></ul>- +<p>The <strong>subscapularis recess</strong>, also known as the <strong>superior subscapularis recess </strong>or <strong>subscapularis bursa</strong>,<strong> </strong>is a normal extension of the <a href="/articles/glenohumeral-joint">glenohumeral joint</a> capsule in between the superior and middle <a href="/articles/glenohumeral-ligaments">glenohumeral ligaments</a>.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>MRI</h5><p>On sagittal oblique sequences and when distended with fluid, it may appear saddlebag-like by hanging over the <a href="/articles/subscapularis-muscle-2">subscapularis tendon</a>, inferior to the coracoid process.</p><h4>Clinical importance</h4><p>It is important not to confuse the subscapular recess with the <a href="/articles/subcoracoid-bursa" title="Subcoracoid bursa">subcoracoid bursa</a>, the latter does not communicate with the glenohumeral joint and has a more caudal extent.</p><h4>Related pathology</h4><p>Distension of the subscapularis recess in the setting of shoulder pain suggests <a href="/articles/adhesive-capsulitis-of-the-shoulder" title="Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder">adhesive capsulitis</a>, especially in the setting of nocturnal pain and middle-aged patients <sup>3,4</sup>.</p>
References changed:
- 3.Carbone S, Napoli A, Gumina S. MRI of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Distension of the Bursa in the Superior Subscapularis Recess is a Suggestive Sign of the Pathology. Eur J Radiol. 2014;83(2):345-8. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.10.017">doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.10.017</a> - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24246364">Pubmed</a>
- 4. Mulligan E, Brunette M, Shirley Z, Khazzam M. Sleep Quality and Nocturnal Pain in Patients with Shoulder Disorders. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(9):1452-7. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2015.02.013">doi:10.1016/j.jse.2015.02.013</a> - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25842028">Pubmed</a>
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