Supraspinatus tear is damage to the supraspinatus muscle, the most frequently injured of the four rotator cuff muscles. It can be caused by impingement syndrome, tendinitis, or muscle injury, and is often seen in athletes.
A supraspinatus tear describes any damage to the supraspinatus muscle, the most frequently injured of the four rotator cuff muscles. The supraspinatus is the most superior of these muscles, supporting the joint from its position over the shoulder. All four muscles are responsible for stabilizing the glenohumeral joint or shoulder, supporting it through a 360-degree movement and maintaining the position of the humeral head in the glenoid fossa of the scapula. Also, the supraspinatus initiates abduction of the arm or lifts it to one side away from the body. Common types of supraspinatus injury include tendonitis of its attachment tendon in the shoulder, muscle tears, and impingement of the tendon against the acromion process of the scapula.
This muscle originates on the supraspinatus fossa, a cavity on the upper back surface of the scapula on the side closest to the spine. Running nearly horizontally out of the fossa, the supraspinatus converges to form a tendon that passes just anterior and slightly superior to the acromion of the scapula. A club-shaped bony prominence arising from the scapular crest on the posterior surface of the scapula, the acromion can be felt at the apex of the shoulder where the clavicle meets the scapula. The supraspinatus tendon, after passing just in front of the acromion, inserts on the top of the humerus just anterior to the glenohumeral joint at the greater tubercle.
The location of this tendon adjacent to the acromion makes it susceptible to a condition known as impingement syndrome. Impingement occurs when the space through which the tendon passes narrows, putting pressure and friction on the tissue. Supraspinatus impingement is a common type of supraspinatus injury, as muscle imbalances in many individuals, especially weightlifters and athletes, cause the shoulders to roll forward and rotate internally. This postural imbalance narrows the space between the acromion and humerus and pinches the supraspinatus tendon, an imbalance that can be treated with corrective exercises. Likewise, growths on the acromion such as bone spurs can lead to supraspinatus impingement, which presents with pain, shoulder weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.
Supraspinatus impingement is often accompanied by tendinitis, a type of supraspinatus injury in which the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated from rubbing against adjacent bone. Tendinitis is typically caused by frequent, repetitive motion, and supraspinatus tendonitis is often seen in athletes whose sports require an overhead throwing motion, such as in baseball pitchers. This injury is accompanied by pain, stiffness, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the affected joint, and is usually treated with ice, anti-inflammatory pain medication, and avoiding the movement patterns that caused it.
A third category of supraspinatus injury is a muscle injury. While sudden trauma can cause this injury, it’s more likely to be caused by the same repetitive motions that weakened the tendon and caused tendonitis. In other words, an untreated case of supraspinatus tendonitis can result in a further rupture of the tendon resulting in a tear.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
