What is the anatomy of the rotator cuff?
Anatomy of the rotator cuff. In the Human body, the rotator cuff is a functional anatomical unit located in the upper extremity. It consists of the following muscles: supraspinatus muscle, infraspinatus muscle, teres minor muscle and subscapularis muscle.
What are possible injuries and problems with these four rotator cuff muscles?
Possible injuries and problems with these four rotator cuff muscles may include: 1 Rotator cuff tear 2 Rotator cuff tendonitis 3 Shoulder impingement 4 Shoulder bursitis 5 Shoulder labrum tear 6 Shoulder separation
What is a rotator cuff tear?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep the shoulder joint stable. These muscles also allow the shoulder to rotate safely. Rotator cuff injuries are common. They can range from chronic inflammation to tears in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons. What is the rotator cuff? Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint.
Is my shoulder pain related to a rotator cuff injury?
Not all shoulder pain is related to a shoulder injury. Some shoulder pain comes from other places, such as the neck or even the heart. If your doctor is concerned about a rotator cuff injury, he or she may order imaging tests. This might start with an x-ray.
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What is the anatomical function of the rotator cuff?
The primary biomechanical role of the rotator cuff is to stabilize the glenohumeral joint by compressing the humeral head against the glenoid. These four muscles arise from the scapula and insert into the humerus.
What is the anatomical name for rotator cuff?
They are also referred to as the SITS muscle, with reference to the first letter of their names (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus,Teres minor, and Subscapularis, respectively). The muscles arise from the scapula and connect to the head of the humerus, forming a cuff around the glenohumeral (GH) joint.
What anatomical structures can give rise to pain in the shoulder?
Shoulder impingement: The acromion (edge of the scapula) presses on the rotator cuff as the arm is lifted. If inflammation or an injury in the rotator cuff is present, this impingement causes pain.
What are the structures of the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles. These are the subscapularis, the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus and the teres minor muscles. These muscles end in short, flat, broad tendons which fuse intimately with the fibrous capsule to form the musculotendinous cuff.
What muscles are affected by rotator cuff injury?
Rotator cuff tears are one of the leading causes of shoulder pain and disability. A rotator cuff tear involves the tearing of one or more tendons of the rotator cuff muscles, namely supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
Which structures form the rotator cuff of the shoulder quizlet?
-This group of muscles is the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is composed of the infraspinatus, subscapularis, supraspinatus, and teres minor. The most posterior insertion of the group is by the teres minor, upon the greater tuberosity.
What are the anatomical structures of the shoulder?
The shoulder is made up of three bones: the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (upper arm bone). Two joints in the shoulder allow it to move: the acromioclavicular joint, where the highest point of the scapula (acromion) meets the clavicle, and the glenohumeral joint.
Which anatomical term is associated with the shoulder region?
The shoulder joint, also known as the glenohumeral joint, is the major joint of the shoulder, but can more broadly include the acromioclavicular joint. In human anatomy, the shoulder joint comprises the part of the body where the humerus attaches to the scapula, and the head sits in the glenoid cavity.
What is the anatomical position of the shoulder?
The shoulder is made up of two joints, the acromioclavicular joint and the glenohumeral joint. The acromioclavicular joint is where the acromion, part of the shoulder blade (scapula) and the collar bone (clavicle) meet. The glenohumeral joint is where the ball (humeral head) and the socket (the glenoid) meet.
What is the most commonly injured rotator cuff muscle?
The most commonly injured rotator cuff muscle is the supraspinatus. This is in part because this muscle's tendon passes through a very narrow space between the top of the upper arm bone and the underside of the shoulder's top (acromion). Learn more about shoulder anatomy.
Where does your shoulder hurt with a torn rotator cuff?
Typically, you will feel pain in the front of your shoulder that radiates down the side of your arm. It may be present with overhead activities such as lifting or reaching (e.g., serving in tennis, painting a ceiling). You may feel pain when you try to sleep on the affected side.
What is the most common rotator cuff injury?
Common rotator cuff injuries include rotator cuff tendonitis and rotator cuff strain, which is a partial or complete tear of the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation or irritation in the tendons and cuff muscles that help move your shoulder joint.
What is the anatomical term of shoulder muscle?
The primary muscle group that supports the shoulder joint is the rotator cuff muscles. The four rotator cuff muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Together the rotator cuff muscles form a musculotendinous cuff as they insert on the proximal humerus.
What is the shoulder called in anatomy?
Glenohumeral joint. This joint is considered the main joint in the shoulder and is where the rounded top, or head, of the humerus (arm bone) nestles into the shallow, rounded socket of the scapula (shoulder blade) like a golf ball on a tee. The medical term for the shoulder socket is glenoid cavity.
What type of anatomical joint is the shoulder?
ball-and-socket jointThe glenohumeral joint is structurally a ball-and-socket joint and functionally is considered a diarthrodial, multiaxial, joint. [1] The glenohumeral articulation involves the humeral head with the glenoid cavity of the scapula, and it represents the major articulation of the shoulder girdle.
What is another name for rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff tearOther namesRotator cuff injury, rotator cuff diseaseSome of the muscles of the rotator cuff, with a tear in the supraspinatus muscleSpecialtyOrthopedicsSymptomsShoulder pain, weakness6 more rows
Where is the rotator cuff located?
Rotator cuff. In the human body, the rotator cuff is a functional anatomical unit located in the upper extremity . Its function is related to the glenohumeral joint, where the muscles of the cuff function both as the executors of the movements of the joint and the stabilization of the joint as well. Injuries of the rotator cuff interfere ...
How many muscles are in the rotator cuff?
Even though the rotator cuff consists only of four muscles, it plays an essential role in the stability and mobility of the most flexible joint in the human body: the shoulder.
What is a degenerative disease of the rotator cuff?
An example of a degenerative disease of the rotator cuff is the subacromial impingement syndrome. There the supraspinatus muscle tendon gets impinged at the acromion. This process is commonly caused by a thickened tendon or an inflammation of the overlying bursa leading to an enlargement, thus compressing the subacromial space.
What is the fourth muscle of the rotator cuff?
Infraspinatus muscle. The fourth muscle of the rotator cuff is the infraspinatus muscle. It originates in the infraspinatous fossa of the scapula and inserts on the greater tubercle as well.
What is the function of the rotator cuff?
The main function of the rotator cuff is to stabilize and center the humeral head in the joint socket, the glenoid cavity. In addition, the muscles tighten the joint capsule preventing a pinch during shoulder movements.
What is the function of the cuff muscle?
Its function is related to the glenohumeral joint, where the muscles of the cuff function both as the executors of the movements of the joint and the stabilization of the joint as well.
Which muscle is the main rotator of the arm?
The subscapularis muscle is a powerful internal rotator which also supports the arm during abduction and adduction. Conversely, the teres minor muscle’s function consists primarily of external rotation and adduction of the arm.
What is the rotator cuff?
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The “ball” is the head of the humerus (upper arm bone). It fits into the “socket” of your shoulder blade.
What is the function of the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that hold the ball in the socket. The rotator cuff allows the shoulder to rotate safely while staying stable.
What is the function of the teres major muscle?
The teres major performs similar functions to some of the rotator cuff muscles. Its job is to help with internal rotation of your arm inside the shoulder socket.
What tests are needed to check for rotator cuff injury?
If your provider suspects you may have a rotator cuff injury, you’ll have imaging tests, such as X-ray, MRI or ultrasound.
Where do the muscles start?
The muscles start at the shoulder blade. Tendons (strong bands of tissue) attach the muscles to bones. The tendons wrap around the head of the upper arm bone, forming a cuff that keeps your arm in the shoulder socket.
What is the function of supraspinatus?
Supraspinatus controls internal rotation and lifting of the arm.
Can rotator cuff tears be degenerative?
Age, overuse and injury can lead to inflammation or tears in the rotator cuff tendons. Rotator cuff injuries can be degenerative (from wearing down of the tendons over time). Or they may be acute (the result of a sudden injury).
What is the rotator cuff?
Your rotator cuff in made up of four muscles that join together as tendons in your shoulder to form a thick covering at the top of the humerus (the bone in the upper arm). Each muscle originates on the shoulder blade ( scapula) and connects to the humerus. 1 . The rotator cuff has the important jobs of stabilizing the shoulder, ...
What are the muscles that make up the rotator cuff?
There are four total muscles that form the rotator cuff: 1 Supraspinatus: The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. 2 Infraspinatus: The infraspinatus muscle originates below the spine of the scapula, in the infraspinatus fossa, and it inserts on the posterior aspect of the greater tuberosity (the part of the bone that attaches to the corresponding muscle) of the humerus. 3 Teres minor: The teres minor muscle originates on the lateral scapula border and inserts on the inferior aspect of the greater tuberosity of the humerus. 4 Subscapularis: The subscapularis muscle originates on the anterior, or front surface of the scapula, sitting directly over the ribs, and inserts on the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. 2
What muscle is responsible for the shoulder joint?
Each rotator cuff muscle performs a specific and important function for your shoulder joint:
How many muscles are in the rotator cuff?
There are four total muscles that form the rotator cuff: Supraspinatus: The supraspinatus muscle originates above the spine of the shoulder blade and inserts on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. Infraspinatus: The infraspinatus muscle originates below the spine of the scapula, in the infraspinatus fossa, and it inserts on ...
What is the acronym for the rotator cuff?
The acronym SITS is often used as the name for the collection of muscles that make up the rotator cuff: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.
Why does my shoulder hurt?
Wear and tear of the rotator cuff and shoulder joint may occur due to repetitive stress and postural neglect. When this happens, different structures around your rotator cuff may become compromised.
Which muscle is used to move the humerus in the shoulder?
Depressing the head of the humerus: The subscapularis muscle performs this additional function to allow the humerus to move freely in the shoulder joint during the elevation of the arm. 2
How to repair a torn rotator cuff?
Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves re-attaching the tendon to the head of humerus (upper arm bone). There are a few options for repairing rotator cuff tears. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss with you the best procedure to meet your individual health needs.
What is the sac between the rotator cuff and the bone on top of your shoulder?
There is a lubricating sac called a bursa between the rotator cuff and the bone on top of your shoulder (acromion). The bursa allows the rotator cuff tendons to glide freely when you move your arm. When the rotator cuff tendons are injured or damaged, this bursa can also become inflamed and painful.
What is the arm that attaches to the shoulder?
Your arm is kept in your shoulder socket by your rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that come together as tendons to form a covering around the head of the humerus. The rotator cuff attaches the humerus to the shoulder blade and helps to lift and rotate your arm.
How to tell if a rotator cuff tear is old or new?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound. These studies can better show soft tissues like the rotator cuff tendons. They can show the rotator cuff tear, as well as where the tear is located within the tendon and the size of the tear. An MRI can also give your doctor a better idea of how "old" or "new" a tear is because it can show the quality of the rotator cuff muscles.
How do you know if you have a rotator cuff tear?
The most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include: Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder. Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements. Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm.
What is the most common cause of pain and disability?
A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of pain and disability among adults. Each year, almost 2 million people in the United States visit their doctors because of a rotator cuff problem. A torn rotator cuff will weaken your shoulder.
Why do people over 40 get rotator cuff tears?
Because most rotator cuff tears are largely caused by the normal wear and tear that goes along with aging , people over 40 are at greater risk.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
Tears can be small or large, and the size and location of the tear determines the symptoms. Symptoms can include: Pain. Weakness. Limited motion. Catching. Locking.
How to diagnose rotator cuff tear?
If your doctor is concerned about a rotator cuff tear, the best way to diagnose it is to get an MRI. An MRI will show location and size of tears or inflammation. The MRI can determine how many tendons are affected.
What is the best way to repair a rotator cuff tear?
If these treatments fail, or the tear is very new, you may benefit from surgery. Arthroscopy, which uses a small camera and instruments, can be used to remove scar tissue, remove loose bodies, debride the tendon, remove inflamed joint lining, release tight tissue, and repair rotator cuff tears.
What muscles attach to the shoulder blade?
The bones at the shoulder include the humerus, scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collar bone). The rotator cuff muscles start on the shoulder blade and attach around the front, top, and back of the humerus. They help to elevate the arm away from the body in forward, side, and backward motions.
What are the muscles that surround the shoulder joint?
The most common tendon to have a problem is the supraspinatus. On top of the rotator cuff is the deltoid muscle. The bones at the shoulder include the humerus, scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collar bone). The rotator cuff muscles start on the shoulder blade and attach around the front, top, and back of the humerus. They help to elevate the arm away from the body in forward, side, and backward motions. They also turn the arm in or out to rotate the shoulder. These muscles and tendons provide strength and stability to the shoulder joint.#N#Above the rotator cuff there is a bursa - a sack of tissue that cushions and protects two surfaces so that they do not rub directly against each other when they move. The rotator cuff bursa protects close contact between bones around the shoulder (Figure 1). When the rotator cuff is injured or damaged, it can lead to inflammation of the bursa, called bursitis. Bursitis can cause pain and loss of motion.
What is the bursa of the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff bursa protects close contact between bones around the shoulder (Figur e 1). When the rotator cuff is injured or damaged , it can lead to inflammation of the bursa, called bursitis. Bursitis can cause pain and loss of motion. Shoulder anatomy, shown here, is important to understand with a rotator cuff injury.
How long does rotator cuff surgery last?
Your therapy regimen will depend on which surgery you have. Therapy can last from three to 12 months. It may require special types of slings and supports to wear early after surgery.