Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to outline a novel, one-of-a-kind idea of secondary
impingement of the rotator cuff muscles, myotendons, and tendons caused by
hypertrophy as a result of strength training exercises.
Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 58 patients were referred to the
radiology department by their orthopaedic surgeon for magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) over a period of 112 years. All patients had a history of strength training
programmes and clinical signs of rotator cuff impingement.
Results: In 12 of the 58 patients, we found hypertrophy of the rotator cuff muscles,
myotendons, and tendons. On the MRI, this was the sole anomaly. Rotator cuff muscle
and tendon hypertrophy completely filling the subacromial space to the point of
overfilling, resulting in secondary compressive features.
Conclusion: Rotator cuff impingement is a common occurrence that can develop as a
result of a variety of input and outlet pathological situations. However, rotator cuff
impingement can be caused by muscle and tendon hypertrophy as a result of strength
training regimes. Rotator cuff hypertrophy can cause overfilling of the subacromial
area, resulting in secondary impingement, which we call "pseudo-impingement."