The Role of Pectoralis Minor Tightness in the Development of Rotator Cuff Tears

This study investigates whether tightness of a small chest muscle called the pectoralis minor is associated with the development of partial rotator cuff tears in the shoulder. Using a propensity score matched case-control design, the study compares patients with rotator cuff tears (case group, n=45) to patients with intact rotator cuffs (control group, n=45). Adults aged 18-55 who are evaluated by MRI and/or shoulder arthroscopy at Gazi University Hospital may be invited. The case group includes patients found to have partial rotator cuff tears during arthroscopy. The control group includes patients whose rotator cuff was documented as intact by MRI. Groups are matched 1:1 on age, sex, BMI, and dominant side. Before surgery, two trained clinician measures shoulder posture and pectoralis minor length using simple external tools (a digital caliper and ruler-like square). For arthroscopy