The Shoulder

Chronic rupture of the infraspinatus tendon

Old organised tears of the infraspinatus tendon have a characteristic clinical pattern: The patients no longer bring their arm into full lateral rotation which results in a loss of the elasticity of the anterior capsule.

Consequently also the passive lateral rotation becomes markedly restricted. The endfeel is hard ligamentous.
Resisted lateral rotation is extremely weak.
The painful arc, so typical for an acute rupture, has disappeared.

Inspection shows a marked atrophy of the infraspinatus muscle.

Pattern
Diagnosis Help
Treatment