Biomechanical Comparison of Effects of Supraspinatus Tendon Detachments, Tendon Defects, and Muscle Retractions

Supraspinatus muscle retraction diminishes glenohumeral abduction torque significantly more than either a defect in the tendon or a simple detachment of the tendon from the tuberosity. In cases of irreparable defects, side-to-side repair may be worthwhile to restore muscle tension and the integrity of the rotator cable.