Supraspinatus

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

• 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

• 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

• 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