Which tendon is commonly involved in rotator cuff tears?

Which tendon is commonly involved in rotator cuff tears?

• A. Infraspinatus
• B. Supraspinatus
• C. Teres minor
• D. Subscapularis

Answer: (B)

Rotator cuff tears most often involve the supraspinatus tendon. This tendon is the one that passes beneath the acromion and is stressed first during arm elevation, placing it at high risk for impingement and degenerative wear. Its blood supply is relatively limited in the critical zone near its insertion on the greater tubercle, making it more susceptible to tears and slower to heal as people age or perform repetitive overhead movements. Because of these factors, tears frequently start in this tendon and can remain isolated or extend into neighboring tendons as they progress. The other tendons can be involved, especially in larger, more extensive tears, but they are less commonly affected as the initial or sole site of injury.

Rotator cuff tears most often involve the supraspinatus tendon. This tendon is the one that passes beneath the acromion and is stressed first during arm elevation, placing it at high risk for impingement and degenerative wear. Its blood supply is relatively limited in the critical zone near its insertion on the greater tubercle, making it more susceptible to tears and slower to heal as people age or perform repetitive overhead movements. Because of these factors, tears frequently start in this tendon and can remain isolated or extend into neighboring tendons as they progress. The other tendons can be involved, especially in larger, more extensive tears, but they are less commonly affected as the initial or sole site of injury.