What is the rotator Cuff?

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What Muscles make up the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles; the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and the teres minor. These muscles work together to act as dynamic stabilizers for the shoulder complex. They also assist in the normal mechanics of the shoulder joint by depressing the head of the humerus when raising the arm overhead, which helps prevent impingement from occurring.

The rotator cuff is a very fundamental muscle group to allow for reaching over head into cabinets, weightlifting, picking up kids. lifting groceries, walking a dog, throwing, swimming, and even helping push up from a chair.

What is the main function of the rotator cuff?

During arm movements, the rotator cuff contracts and prevents the sliding of the head of the humerus, allowing full range of motion, and providing overall joint stability. The rotator cuff also helps in the mobility of the shoulder joint by facilitating abduction (lifting arm to the side), medial or internal rotation (toward the belly), and lateral or external rotation (to the outside).

Rotator cuff tears typically occur at the junction where the tendon attaches to the bone and are can be caused by both extrinsic (outside) and intrinsic (inside) factors. More on Rotator Cuff Tears



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References:

  • Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 4th Edition. David J. Magee, 2006. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/93095-overview

  • Kim TK, et al. "Clinical features of the different types of SLAP lesions" Journal of Bone Joint Surgery Am. 2003 Jan;85-A(1):66-71. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1261463-overview

  • Mayo Clinic: Rotator Cuff; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotator-cuff-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350225

  • WebMD: Rotator Cuff; https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/qa/what-causes-rotator-cuff-problems


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