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Supraspinatus

Contents

Anatomy

 

Supraspinatus - posterolateral view
Supraspinatus - superolateral view
Supraspinatus - lateral view

General information

  • This section is strictly limited to anatomy, you might be looking for clinical relevant information which is found under the clinical chapters -- muscles section, click here to go to that page

Position

  • Deep

Origin

  • Fossa supraspinatus scapulae

Insertion

  • Tuberculum majus humeri
    • Upper facet

Main function

  • Shoulder
    • Abduction

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • C5-C6
  • Peripheral
    • Suprascapular nerve

Arterial supply

  • Suprascapular artery

Palpation muscle belly

  • Patient position
    • Sitting
  • Place the patient's shoulders in a medial rotated position while the rest of the arm is hanging down along side of the body or is placed on the back
  • Palpate just superiorly to the spina scapula
  • Ask the patient to make an abduction movement of the arm while you feel for the contraction

Palpation distal tendon

  • Patient position
    • Sitting
  • Place the patient's shoulders in a medial rotated position while the rest of the arm is hanging down along side of the body or is placed on the back
  • Palpate between the acromion and tuberculum majus on the humerus
  • Ask the patient to perform an abduction movement of the arm while you feel for the contraction

Strength test

  • Patient position
    • Sitting or standing
  • Ask the patient to perform a abduction movement of the arm
  • Give resistance towards the lateral side of the patient's lower arm so that the patient gives force towards abduction