What Is a Fissure of the Distal Supraspinatus?

The distal supraspinatus tendon connects the shoulder's supraspinatus muscle to the arm and forms a part of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. A fissure of the distal supraspinatus is more commonly known as a rotator cuff tear.

Types

• There are two types of rotator cuff tears: partial-thickness tears and full-thickness tears. According to the University of Washington's Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, the distal supraspinatus is the tendon most susceptible to full-thickness tears.

Causes

• Rotator cuff tears can be caused by overexertion or injury due to misuse, accidents or athletic overuse. They can also be the result of pre-existing conditions, poor health or age.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a torn rotator cuff can include sharp pain upon injury, limited range of motion, pain with arm and/or shoulder motion and arm and/shoulder weakness. People who suffer a torn rotator cuff might also feel a sense of friction or "grinding" at the shoulder or experience discomfort in various sleeping positions.

Significance

• Rotator cuff tears restrict the shoulder's natural range of motion, cause pain in motion, and generally continue to get worse if left untreated.

Treatment

• Beyond pain management, medication had limited ability to help heal a torn rotator cuff. Immobilzation, rehabilitation and stretching exercises are often prescribed for minor or partial tears, while more-serious tears may require surgery.