Rotator cuff (Final Featured Image)

What Is My Rotator Cuff, and Why Does It Hurt?

A rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles within the shoulder. Which originated from the scapula and detached from the humerus to the humerus to provide dynamic stability at the Glenohumeral (Shoulder) Joint. 

ScapulaHumerusGlenohumeral (Shoulder) Joint

 

These muscles are found deep within the shoulder. So, the pectoralis major, deltoid, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi muscle are some of the large muscles involved in moving our shoulder.

Pectoralis MajorDeltoidTrapeziusLatissimus Dorsi

 

Underneath these, we can find the rotator cuff muscles. So, our shoulder joint is made up of the head of the humerus. Which sits within the shallow glenoid fossa. At any one time, there was only about one-third of that humeral head sitting in the glenoid fossa.

Rotator CuffHead of HumerusGlenoid Fossa

This configuration allows lots of mobility of the joint but in return the shoulder joint sacrifices stability.

To regain stability we have four rotator cuff muscles, which are:

  1. Supraspinatus
  2. Infraspinatus
  3. Teres minor
  4. Subscapularis

S.I.T.SS.I.T.S (1)

Supraspinatus:

The supraspinatus originates any supraspinous fossa. As with many anatomical terms, the name of the muscle “Supra” refers to above and “Spinous” refers to the spine of the scapula.

Spinous

 

So the supraspinatus sits in the supraspinous fossa above the spine of the scapula.

Spine of the scapula

 

The supraspinatus then passes underneath the acromion to attach to the greater tuberosity on its superior facet.

Acromion and Greater Tuberosity

In terms of its action, the supraspinatus muscle in isolation creates abduction of the humerus. The muscle is innervated by this suprascapular nerve.

Infraspinatus:

The infraspinatus so from its name we can tell that it’s located below the spine of the scapula and it sits within the infraspinous fossa.

infraspinatussupraspinatus

The infraspinatus muscle inserts onto the greater tuberosity of the humerus on its middle facet. Just below the insertion of the supraspinatus muscle.

In isolation, the infraspinatus muscle performs lateral rotation or external rotation of the humerus.

It’s worth noting that the supraspinatus and infraspinatus share supply derived from the suprascapular nerve, which comes off the superior trunk of the brachial plexus to supply both of these muscles.

suprascapular nerve

Teres Minor Muscle:

The teres minor muscle is located just inferior to the infraspinatus on the lateral border of the scapula. It then inserts onto the greater tuberosity of the humerus on its inferior facet.

Teres Minor MuscleTeres Minor Muscle (GT)

In isolation, the teres minor muscle performs external or lateral rotation of the humerus. The nerve supply to the teres minor muscle is derived from the axillary nerve.

 

Subscapularis:

The Subscapularis muscle sits on the anterior surface of the scapula. The subscapularis originates in the subscapular fossa, which is this depression occupying almost all of the anterior part of the scapula from its origin on the scapula the subscapularis muscle inserts onto the lesser tuberosity of the humerus.

Subscapularis muscle 1Subscapularis muscle 2

The subscapularis is the largest and strongest rotator cuff muscle accounting for approximately 50% of the cuff strength output.

When you isolate this muscle it performs medial or internal rotation of the humerus.

The subscapularis is innervated by the subscapular nerves, which are comprised of the upper subscapular nerve and the lower subscapular nerve. Both these nerves originate from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus.

So, that’s an overview of the basic anatomy of the rotator cuff muscles.

 

For more information talk to a healthcare provider.

If you have any questions about Rotator Cuff, please feel free and leave a comment.

Do share this blog with your friends and family!

 

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Types of Shoulder Fractures

The scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (upper arm bone) are three bones involved in shoulder fractures. All three types of shoulder fractures can cause shoulder pain, swelling and tenderness. Also, it limits the shoulder’s range of motion. Let’s see these three major types of shoulder fractures and how it affects the human body.

Scapula Fracture

A flat triangular bone located in the upper back is known as the scapula. The scapula provides the primary connections between the arm and the chest. Scapula fractures are rare which approximately less than 1% of all fractures are. A scapular fracture may result from a contact sport like football and cricket or a traumatic event such as a car or bike accident.

Clavicle Fracture

The clavicle, commonly known as collarbone is a long and thin bone that begins at the base of the neck and extends out to the shoulder. This fracture can happen at any age, from new-borns to the elderly. Normally, this fracture occurs because of a fall, direct hit or a motor vehicle accident. Common symptoms are bruising, swelling, and pain over the clavicle region.

Proximal Humerus Fracture

The humerus is that long bone between the elbow and the shoulder. A fracture to the top of the humerus bone is called a proximal humerus fracture. The ball that rests in the shoulder’s socket is often referred to as the humeral head. A proximal humerus fracture is very common and it can occur at any age. It can often be treated without surgery. Whether the patient needs the surgery is depending on various factors like the amount of displacement, the involvement of the cartilage in the joint, the age and activity level of the patient.

This is the general information about Shoulder Fracture. We recommend you to take your doctor’s advice for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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All you have to know about Shoulder Arthroscopy

A surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose, and treat various problems inside the shoulder joint and in the space surrounding is known as Shoulder Arthroscopy. This procedure is done through small incisions that allow the insertion of specialized instruments. An arthroscope is a pencil-sized tool, contains magnifying lenses and a light source. This is attached to a small camera that projects a clear image of the joint on a TV monitor which allows the surgeon to see all the structures inside the shoulder. It is used to treat a variety of common shoulder problems, including arthritis, impingement, rotator cuff tears and shoulder instability.

The Procedure
The arthroscopy is typically performed in an outpatient surgery setting. The anesthesia is used at the initial stage. Two or three small incisions, each the size of a coin, are needed to insert the scope and any necessary instruments. It is filled with sterile fluid to allow the surgeon to see more clearly. Mostly it takes less than one hour to perform. The patient will be given specific instructions about whether or not he/she is allowed to move immediately after the surgery. A proper rest, icing and anti-inflammatory medications will help decrease pain and swelling. The surgical area should be kept dry for the first 3-5 days. After this, simply change the dressings after bathing. Patients usually begin light exercise in 1 week.

Benefits
Benefits of arthroscopic surgery over those older open surgical techniques are-
• Minimal scars
• No overnight hospital stay
• Decreased pain and swelling
• Improved motion
• Quicker functional recovery
• Fewer risks and complications

Risk and Complications
Complications from arthroscopic surgery are rare. It may include bleeding, infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, persistent pain and the need for further surgery. The most common reason patients experience continuing pain after arthroscopic surgery is from underlying damage to the lining cartilage of the joint.

This is the general information about Shoulder Arthroscopy. We recommend you to visit a doctor for proper guidance. We hope this information adds value to your knowledge. Watch out this space for more such information. Greetings for SYS Medtech International PVT. LTD.

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