Subscapularis minor – an analogue of the Teres minor?

• Published in: Orthopaedics & traumatology, surgery & research Vol. 99; no. 4; pp. S255 - S258
• Main Authors: Collin, P, Lädermann, A, Le Bourg, M, Walch, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01-06-2013
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Female; Function; Greasy infiltration; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Orthopedics; Pseudoparalysis; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Recovery of Function; Rotator cuff; Rotator Cuff - physiopathology; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Shoulder; Shoulder Joint - pathology; Shoulder Joint - physiopathology; Shoulder Joint - surgery; Subscapularis; Surgery; Tendon Injuries - pathology; Tendon Injuries - physiopathology; Tendon Injuries - surgery; Teres Minor; Treatment Outcome; Function; Greasy infiltration; Shoulder; Rotator cuff; Subscapularis; Pseudoparalysis; Teres Minor
• ISSN: 1877-0568; 1877-0568
• DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2013.03.003

Summary Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the subscapularis (SSC) in forward flexion. We hypothesized that the inferior part of the SSC has a main role in the ability to preserve forward flexion in cases of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Material and methods Active forward flexion of the shoulder was prospectively evaluated in patients presenting with Grade 3 or higher SSC fatty degeneration, with superior and inferior SSC tears being evaluated separately. Results Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study. Pseudoparalytic shoulders were found in 80% of cases when the inferior part of the SSC was torn, but never when only the superior part was torn. Discussion The inferior SSC or “Subscapularis minor” can be considered as an analogue to the teres minor in the posterior aspect of the shoulder. It must be preserved in cases of tears and fatty degeneration of the superior part, and repaired when possible. Level of evidence Level II.