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Rotator cuff tendon connections with the rotator cable

  • Shoulder
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

The literature currently contains no descriptions of the rotator cuff tendons, which also describes in relation to the presence and characteristics of the rotator cable (anatomically known as the ligamentum semicirculare humeri). The aim of the current study was to elucidate the detailed anatomy of the rotator cuff tendons in association with the rotator cable.

Methods

Anatomic dissection was performed on 21 fresh-frozen shoulder specimens with an average age of 68 years. The rotator cuff tendons were dissected from each other and from the glenohumeral joint capsule, and the superior glenohumeral, coracohumeral, coracoglenoidal and semicircular (rotator cable) ligaments were dissected. Dissection was performed layer by layer and from the bursal side to the joint. All ligaments and tendons were dissected in fine detail.

Results

The rotator cable was found in all specimens. It was tightly connected to the supraspinatus (SSP) tendon, which was partly covered by the infraspinatus (ISP) tendon. The posterior insertion area of the rotator cable was located in the region between the middle and inferior facets of the greater tubercle of the humerus insertion areas for the teres minor (TM), and ISP tendons were also present and fibres from the SSP extended through the rotator cable to those areas.

Conclusion

The connection between the rotator cable and rotator cuff tendons is tight and confirms the suspension bridge theory for rotator cuff tears in most areas between the SSP tendons and rotator cable. In its posterior insertion area, the rotator cable is a connecting structure between the TM, ISP and SSP tendons. These findings might explain why some patients with relatively large rotator cuff tears can maintain seamless shoulder function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Anatomy, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia

    Madis Rahu, Ivo Kolts & Elle Põldoja

  2. Department of Orthopedics, North Estonia Medical Centre, J. Sütiste tee 19, 13419, Tallinn, Estonia

    Madis Rahu & Kristo Kask

Authors
  1. Madis Rahu
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  2. Ivo Kolts
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  3. Elle Põldoja
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  4. Kristo Kask
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Correspondence to Madis Rahu.

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Rahu, M., Kolts, I., Põldoja, E. et al. Rotator cuff tendon connections with the rotator cable. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 25, 2047–2050 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4148-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-016-4148-4

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