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The supraspinatus is a small muscle in the shoulder region that is part of the rotator cuff muscle group. It originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula (shoulder blade) and attaches to the greater tubercle of the humerus. The supraspinatus muscle performs abduction of the arm at the shoulder and prevents the head of the humerus from slipping inferiorly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle group | Rotator cuff muscle group |
| Muscle type | Intrinsic muscle of the shoulder region |
| Origin | Supraspinous fossa of the scapula |
| Attachment | Greater tubercle of the humerus |
| Function | Abduction of the upper limb at the shoulder |
| Function range | First 0-15 degrees of abduction |
| Assistance to | Deltoid muscle |
| Assistance range | 15-90 degrees |
| Innervation | Suprascapular nerve |
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What You'll Learn
The supraspinatus muscle is part of the rotator cuff muscle group
The supraspinatus muscle works in cooperation with the deltoid muscle to achieve abduction, especially when the arm is in an adducted position. The tendon of the supraspinatus muscle passes laterally beneath the cover of the acromion and blends with the shoulder joint capsule. The muscle is innervated by the suprascapular nerve (C5-6) of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus.
Being one of the four rotator cuff muscles, the supraspinatus is frequently injured, whether through acute trauma or gradual degeneration. Bad posture and age are significant risk factors for supraspinatus issues. Tears and other injuries to this muscle can lead to chronic pain and other complications, such as acromial impingement, frozen shoulder, and poor sleep on the affected side.
Calcification of the supraspinatus tendon is a common contributor to shoulder pain and can be exacerbated by a tear in the muscle. Postoperative studies suggest that continuous passive motion combined with physical therapy can provide a slight advantage over physical therapy alone in the recovery process.
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It abducts the arm at the shoulder
The supraspinatus muscle is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and provide stability and mobility to the joint. The primary function of the supraspinatus muscle is to abduct the arm at the shoulder joint, which means it moves the arm away from the body and out to the side. This muscle is crucial for a wide range of shoulder movements and maintaining shoulder joint stability.
Abduction of the arm at the shoulder joint is made possible by the supraspinatus muscle, which originates from the supraspinous fossa, a concave surface on the posterior aspect of the scapula (shoulder blade), and inserts on the superior aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus (upper arm bone). When the supraspinatus muscle contracts, it pulls on the humerus, lifting it upward and away from the body, resulting in arm abduction.
The supraspinatus muscle works in conjunction with other muscles of the rotator cuff to stabilize the shoulder joint during abduction. As the arm is lifted away from the body, the supraspinatus muscle contracts to initiate the movement, while the deltoid muscle, which covers the supraspinatus, also engages to assist in lifting the arm. The infraspinatus and teres minor muscles, which are also part of the rotator cuff, help to depress the humeral head, ensuring that it remains centered within the glenoid cavity of the scapula. This coordination between muscles ensures that the arm can be abducted smoothly and efficiently while maintaining the stability and integrity of the shoulder joint.
Additionally, the supraspinatus muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining proper shoulder mechanics and preventing injuries. Its ability to abduct the arm helps maintain the correct alignment of the shoulder joint, preventing excessive strain on the surrounding ligaments and cartilage. By stabilizing the humeral head within the glenoid cavity, the supraspinatus helps distribute forces evenly across the joint surfaces, reducing the risk of impingement, tendonitis, and other shoulder-related injuries.
In summary, the supraspinatus muscle's role in abducting the arm at the shoulder joint is essential for arm movement and shoulder joint stability. Its coordinated action with other muscles of the rotator cuff and deltoid ensures smooth and controlled arm abduction while maintaining the integrity of the shoulder joint. By understanding the function of the supraspinatus muscle, we can appreciate its importance in shoulder mechanics and the potential consequences when this muscle is weakened or injured.
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The supraspinatus pulls the head of the humerus towards the glenoid cavity
The supraspinatus is a small muscle in the shoulder region. It is part of the rotator cuff muscle group, which acts to stabilise the shoulder joint. The muscle originates in the scapula (shoulder blade) and attaches to the humerus.
The supraspinatus muscle performs abduction of the arm at the shoulder. It also pulls the head of the humerus towards the glenoid cavity, preventing the head of the humerus from slipping inferiorly. This action is independent of other muscles.
The supraspinatus works in cooperation with the deltoid muscle to perform abduction when the arm is in an adducted position. The deltoid muscle becomes the main propagator of this action beyond 15 degrees of abduction.
The supraspinatus is one of the most frequently damaged components of the rotator cuff. Bad posture and age are leading risk factors for injury or degeneration of this muscle. Calcification of the supraspinatus tendon is a common cause of shoulder pain and can be worsened by a tear in the muscle.
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It is a small muscle in the upper back
The supraspinatus is a small muscle in the upper back. It is part of the shoulder region and is one of four rotator cuff muscles. The supraspinatus muscle runs from the supraspinous fossa superior portion of the scapula (shoulder blade) to the greater tubercle of the humerus. The spine of the scapula separates the supraspinatus muscle from the infraspinatus muscle, which originates below the spine.
The supraspinatus muscle is involved in abduction of the arm at the shoulder. It performs the first 0-15 degrees of abduction, pulling the head of the humerus medially towards the glenoid cavity. Beyond this initial range of motion, the deltoid muscle becomes increasingly more effective at abducting the arm and takes over as the primary mover. The supraspinatus also works in cooperation with the deltoid muscle during abduction when the arm is in an adducted position.
The supraspinatus muscle is innervated by the suprascapular nerve (C5-6) of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. This nerve provides motor control and sensation to the muscle, allowing for coordinated movements and feedback during abduction of the arm.
Due to its function in shoulder abduction, the supraspinatus is susceptible to injuries and tears, especially with bad posture and age. Calcification of the supraspinatus tendon is a common issue that can lead to chronic shoulder pain and other associated conditions such as acromial impingement and frozen shoulder.
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Calcification of the supraspinatus tendon can cause shoulder pain
The supraspinatus is a small muscle in the shoulder region that is part of the rotator cuff muscle group. It performs abduction of the upper limb at the shoulder and prevents the head of the humerus from slipping inferiorly. Calcific tendinopathy (CT) is a common condition that occurs when calcium deposits build up in the tendons or muscles. This buildup can cause inflammation and pain, and it most often affects the shoulder joint.
People with calcification of the supraspinatus tendon may experience sudden shoulder pain or stiffness, intense pain with shoulder movement, and severe pain that disrupts sleep. The pain may radiate up into the suboccipital region or down into the fingers. The condition can also cause a constant dull ache, and the pain increases considerably with active range of motion.
Treatment for calcification of the supraspinatus tendon typically includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and ultrasound-guided needle lavage. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is another potential treatment option but is not without complications, which can include transient bone marrow edema and humeral head necrosis. Surgical intervention is also an option, especially for those who do not respond to conservative treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
The supraspinatus muscle is a small muscle in the shoulder region. It is one of the four rotator cuff muscles.
The supraspinatus muscle abducts the arm at the shoulder. It also pulls the head of the humerus medially towards the glenoid cavity, preventing it from slipping inferiorly.
The supraspinatus muscle originates from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula (shoulder blade) and inserts onto the greater tubercle of the humerus.
