When the supraspinatus tendon has undergone significant degenerative change, it is more susceptible to trauma, and partialor full-thickness tears may develop (Fig. 7.33). These tears are most common in older patients and may result in considerable difficulty in carrying out normal activities of daily living such as combing hair. However, complete tears may be entirely asymptomatic.
In the clinic
Inflammation of the subacromial (subdeltoid) bursa