Three-dimensional study of the musculotendinous architecture of supraspinatus and its functional correlations

The supraspinatus is most frequently involved in shoulder pathology. However, the musculotendinous architecture of the supraspinatus has not been well documented. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the detailed three-dimensional architecture of the supraspinatus throughout its volume. Ten male formalin embalmed cadaveric specimens (mean age 61.9 +/- 16 years) without any evidence of rotator cuff pathology were used. Three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, and z) of the tendon and muscle fiber bundles were collected in situ, using serial dissection and digitization. The data was reconstructed into a three-dimensional model using Maya. Fiber bundle lengths, pennation angles (PA), muscle volumes, and tendon dimensions for each architecturally distinct area were computed and then analyzed using paired t-tests and ANOVA (P < 0.05). The supraspinatus was found to consist of anterior and posterior regions, which were each further subdivided into superficial, middle, and deep parts. Mean PA were found to be significantly different between the distinct parts of the anterior region of the muscle. Medial PA was also found be significantly different between the superficial and middle, and superficial and deep parts of the posterior region. These results provide insight into the normal function of the muscle and its possible contribution to the initiation and progression of supraspinatus tendon tears.