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01-02-2017 | Original Article

Anatomy and relations of the infraspinatus and the teres minor muscles: a fresh cadaver dissection study

Authors: Guillaume Bacle, Jean-Marc Gregoire, Frédéric Patat, Philippe Clavert, Gonzague de Pinieux, Jacky Laulan, Walid Lakhal, Luc Favard

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 2/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Despite their functional importance, the infraspinatus (ISP) and teres minor (TM) muscles have been little investigated. This study aimed to describe the macroscopic morphology, innervation, and inter-relations of the ISP and TM muscles.

Methods

Forty fresh cadaver dissections and histologic analysis were performed. Three groups of specimens were distinguished according to the rotator cuff tendon status: (1) intact rotator cuff; (2) supraspinatus tendon tears with intact ISP tendon; and (3) both supraspinatus and ISP tendons torn. Muscle fiber organization and muscle and tendon length were recorded. ISP and TM innervation and fiber structure were studied.

Results

ISP muscles were composed of three groups of fiber organized in two planes: two superficial groups, with mean pennation angles of, respectively, 27° ± 4° and 23° ± 3° with respect to the axis of the central tendon of the underlying group. TMs were thick fusiform muscles showing a parallel organization; 26 specimens (67 %) had aponeuroses isolating the TM, with a mean length of 5.2 ± 2.7 cm. Rotator cuff lesions were associated with relatively greater ISP tendon than muscle length. Innervation of the ISP muscle comprised 2–4 main branches from the suprascapular nerve and that of the TM 1 branch from the axillary nerve.

Conclusion

ISP muscle body morphology derives from three groups of fibers in two planes. The TM has a parallel organization. Several nerve branches innervate the ISP muscle, whereas only one supplies the TM. The limits between the two muscles bodies consist of an aponeurotic fascia in two-thirds of cases.

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Title: Anatomy and relations of the infraspinatus and the teres minor muscles: a fresh cadaver dissection study
Authors: Guillaume Bacle
Jean-Marc Gregoire
Frédéric Patat
Philippe Clavert
Gonzague de Pinieux
Jacky Laulan
Walid Lakhal
Luc Favard
Publication date: 01-02-2017
Publisher: Springer Paris
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-016-1707-9

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Springer Medicine

Anatomy and relations of the infraspinatus and the teres minor muscles: a fresh cadaver dissection study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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