Rotator cuff


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Rotator cuff


The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons and their related muscles that cover the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff tendons help keep the shoulder stable and allow the arm to rotate or move up, down, in, and out.

Tendons are tough, ropelike fibers that connect muscles to bones. The rotator cuff tendons are called the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor tendons. These tendons connect the rotator cuff muscles, which start at the shoulder blade (scapula), to the upper arm bone (humerus).

Credits


Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD

- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

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Last updated: May 25, 2007
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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