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Hand & Upper Limb
intermediate
X-Type

Subscapularis Anatomy - Structure and Clinical Relevance

Shoulder Anatomy

A 55-year-old man presents with anterior shoulder pain and weakness after a fall onto his outstretched arm. Examination reveals increased passive external rotation compared to the opposite side. He is unable to lift his hand off his back (positive lift-off test) and has weakness with internal rotation against resistance (positive belly-press test). MRI confirms a subscapularis tear. Regarding subscapularis anatomy:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The subscapularis is the largest and strongest of the rotator cuff muscles (53% of total cuff mass);...

B

The subscapularis is innervated by the upper and lower subscapular nerves (C5, C6) from the posterio...

C

The entire subscapularis insertion is tendinous; isolated subscapularis tears are the most common ro...

D

The upper 60% of the subscapularis insertion is tendinous while the lower 40% is muscular (inserting...

E

Subscapularis tears are often associated with biceps pulley lesions and biceps instability; increase...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option