Subscapularis partial tear nodule causing shoulder rotational triggering

Subscapularis nodules are rare causes of shoulder pain. There have been no reports of nodular swellings arising from the articular surface of the subscapularis tendon. We report two original cases of intra-articular subscapular nodules with reciprocal middle glenohumeral ligament thickening. In both cases, the patients had long standing deep-seated anterior shoulder pain with failed conservative treatments. Arthroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging and histology reports revealed nodules with underlying partial subscapularis tears. Arthroscopy may be needed to identify and successfully treat rare symptomatic nodules as causes of pain and clicking in the shoulder joint.

Level of evidence V.