Shoulder Problems

Question 1

what are the rotator cuff muscles

Answer 1

supraspinatus
infraspinatus
teres minor
subscapularis

Question 2

what is the function of supraspinatus ?

what nerve supplies it ?

Answer 2

supraspinatus initiates arm abduction (before deltoid takes over)
innervated by suprascapular nerve

Question 3

what is the function of infraspinatus ?

what nerve supplies it ?

Answer 3

infraspinatus laterally rotates arm

innervated by suprascapular nerve

Question 4

what is the function of teres minor ?

what nerve supplies it ?

Answer 4

teres minor adducts + laterally rotates arm

innervated by axillary nerve

Question 5

what is the function of subscapularis ?

what nerve supplies it ?

Answer 5

subscapularis adducts + rotates arm medially

innervated by subscapular nerve

Question 6

which rotator cuff muscle is most commonly injured

how does this present

Answer 6

supraspinatus

• painful to initiate abduction
• arm can be passively abducted past 60 degrees

Question 7

what is subacromial impingement

Answer 7

‘painful arc’ syndrome

• painful abduction between 60- 120 degrees
• tenderness over anterior acromion

Question 8

what is adhesive capsulitis ?

how does it present ?

Answer 8

‘frozen shoulder’

• shoulder pain on both active + passive movement
• external rotation is most affected
• most common in females
• can last 6 months - 2 years

Question 9

what condition is adhesive capsulitis associated with

Answer 9

diabetes