WHAT IS A DELAMINATING TEAR:
- This is an intrasubstance tear ( i.e within the tendon) which extends along the length of the tendon
- The tear runs parallell to the tendon.
- Often there will be a connection to the articular surface.
Image Above: Delaminating tears of SST ( blue arrows) which have propagated along the length of the tendon. In the first image it arises from a foot print tear ( Orange Arrow) and in the 2nd image the tear connects with the articular surface ( Pink arrows).
WHAT ABOUT INTRA MUSCULAR CYSTS
- Intramuscular/ musculotendinous junction cyst formation can sometimes be seen.
- These are due to an underlying delaminating tear.
- At the musculotendinous junction the delaminating tear is arrested and fluid accumulates within the tear and cyst formation begins.
- Any cyst at the musculo tendinous junction should alert you to the presence of a delaminating tear.
Image Above: Delaminating tears as they get to the musculotendinous junction form cysts ( blue arrows) . Orange arrows = tendonosis.