The Shoulder

Total rupture of the supraspinatus tendon / Acute Stage

History

Pain and functional loss.
Usually as the result of a (minor) indirect trauma.

Clinical Picture

In traumatic ruptures there is intense pain during the first days or weeks.
There is a discrepancy between a full range of passive movement and an active elevation that is almost impossible to perform.

During the active elevation there is only turn over of the scapula but no movement in the scapulohumeral joint.

In absence of the supraspinatus tendon (which normally forms an extension of the osseous glenoid) the humeral head moves upwards on contraction of the deltoid. Hence active abduction in the glenohumeral joint remains impossible.

On passive elevation, a marked painful arc is present (compression of the remnants of the tendon).

Resisted abduction is painful and weak.

The Shoulder

Total rupture of the supraspinatus tendon / Acute Stage

History

Clinical Picture

Chronic rupture

Help Diagnosis

Treatment