An anatomic study of the supraspinatus muscle and tendon

The gross and histologic anatomy of the myotendinous portion of the suprasp inatus muscle was investigated with coronal and sagittal sections from 20 a natomic specimen shoulders. The anterior lateral portion of the supraspinat us contained more tendon than the posterior portion of the muscle in all 20 specimens. In seven specimens there were separate muscle fibers that origi nated from the most anteromedial area of the supraspinatns fossa, Knowledge of this anatomy aids in magnetic resonance image interpretation and open o r arthroscopic evaluation of the supraspinatus. This consistent tendinous p ortion may be useful in rotator cuff repair and may provide a firm area for suture closure of the rotator interval, This prominent anterior tendinous area may serve to protect the supraspinatus during anterior forward flexion motion through the impingement are.