[Rupture of the supraspinal tendon]

The function of the musculus supraspinatus and the functional deficiency after its rupture is described in the article. The reasons for unrecognized supraspinatus tendon ruptures and their consequences are mentioned. The emphasis is on the diagnostics and the operation for the supraspinatus rupture. Five patients, operated on for musculus supraspinatus rupture in the years 1980-1986 at the surgical department of the General Hospital at Novo Mesto, are presented. Despite the small number of patients the results are similar to those in bigger series.