The shoulder: Supraspinatus tendon palpation

Technique:

The patient sits, with the arm behind the back, the elbow bent to 90°.
In this position, the major tubercle lies anterior to the acromion.
The spine of the scapula and the fossa supraspinalis scapulae can easily be palpated.
The palpating finger follows the fossa laterally until the posterior part of the AC joint is met.
The tendon now runs in an anterior direction and under the acromion to insert on the major tubercle.
The palpable part of the supraspinatus tendon fills the gap between acromion and tubercle. The fibres are situated in a sagital plane.

The palpation of the medial border is best started at the level of the coracoid process.
The finger digs smoothly into the deltoid muscle and is moved in a lateral direction.
A tough resistance can be felt when the medial border of the tendon is reached.
The lateral edge is more difficult to palpate.
It usually runs in the extension of the lateral border of the acromion.

The nail of a palpating finger, moving from the posterior border of the AC joint
over the acromion to the major tubercle of the humerus, will cover the whole
insertion of the supraspinatus tendon.