SKU: S15f02111
This exhibit depicts an open surgical repair of an irregular supraspinatus tear with four sutures. The supraspinatus muscle forms the superior aspect of the rotator cuff. It assists the deltoid in abduction of the arm at the shoulder and stabilizes the glenohumeral joint by resisting downward gravitational force. Of the four rotator cuff muscles, it is most frequently subjected to tearing, particularly at its insertion site on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. Tearing of the supraspinatus tendon can result in shoulder pain, weakness, and impaired abduction. Arthroscopy is performed to confirm diagnoses and an incision is made over the superolateral shoulder. The incision is opened to expose the rotator cuff and the supraspinatus is debrided to a stable edge. The supraspinatus footprint is decorticated and four sutures are placed in the tendon. The suture tails are then passed into the bone of the humerus and tied to secure the supraspinatus to the greater tuberosity.