Supraspinatus tendon tear

Posterior view of muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column

Rupture of the m.supraspinatus tendon occurs most often during its degenerative changes, which are preceded by signs of impingement syndrome.

Clinical manifestation

• incapability of an active elevation of the upper arm between 60°–120°;
• passive elevation is possible;
• positive drop test;
• positive Gerber test.

Diagnostics

• in addition to symptoms, ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance can be performed.

Treatment

• Conservative
  • in elderly patients;
  • orthosis, abduction splint.
• Surgical
  • in younger and physically active patients;
  • suture or reinsertion.

Links

Related articles

• Muscles of the upper limb
• Humeral head fractures

Source

• PASTOR, Jan. Langenbeck's medical web page [online]. [cit. 2009]. <https://langenbeck.webs.com/>.