Fibrotic Contracture of the Infraspinatus Muscle with or without Contracture of the Teres Minor Muscle: A Retrospective Study in Eight Dogs.

(1) Background: Fibrotic contracture of the canine infraspinatus muscle (FCIM) is considered an uncommon musculotendinous condition mainly affecting hunting dogs. After an acute onset of a painful non-weight-bearing lameness over a period of one to four weeks, a characteristic circumducted gait is developed in the affected thoracic limb. (2) Methods: Eight client-owned dogs of varying breeds, both sexes, aged 4-9 years old, and weighing 14-26 kg participated in the study. The duration of lameness prior to their first consultation ranged from 10 to 450 days. All participants were thoroughly examined clinically, orthopedically, and radiographically. (3) Results: The dogs underwent infraspinatus tenotomy, resulting in improved limb function. In three cases, a teres minor muscle contracture was revealed intraoperatively and resolved via a tenotomy at its insertion. The findings showed that 15 days post-operation, all dogs returned to full activity. The results obtained confirm and reinforce the literature data around FCIM and describe the first recorded condition of the simultaneous contracture of the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. (4) Conclusions: In every case of shoulder lameness, contractures of all shoulder muscles should be included in the differential diagnosis and patients should be assessed for concurrent contractures even if infraspinatus contracture is identified.

Intramuscular hemangioma of the infraspinatus muscle: a rare presentation.

Intramuscular hemangiomas (IMH) are extremely rare, accounting for 0.8% of all hemangiomas. IMH must be included in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses, and unexplained muscular pain. We herein describe the case of a patient who presented with an atypical localization of IMH in the infraspinatus muscle.

Novel Muscle in Infraspinous Fossa.

The infraspinatus muscle (IS) makes a minor contribution to lateral rotation of the arm but mainly serves to stabilize the glenohumeral (GH) joint as part of the rotator cuff. Although reports of variations in the rotator cuff muscles have been documented previously, specific discussions of IS variants are lacking. In this report, we present a novel case of an accessory muscle in the infraspinous fossa and its relationship to the IS, which was normally located. We describe the observed physical features of the muscles and their innervation patterns.

A standardized protocol for needle placement in the infraspinatus muscle: an anatomical perspective.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the morphology of the three parts of the infraspinatus muscle based on surface landmarks for precise and effective access, and to propose the most effective fine-wire electrode insertion technique and sites. METHODS: Fifteen Asian fresh cadavers were used. We investigated the probability of the presence of the superior, middle, and inferior parts in each infraspinatus muscle based on surface landmarks. Based on the positional characteristics of the muscle, we determined the needle insertion method and confirmed its effectiveness by dissection. RESULTS: The superior part was mostly observed near the spine of the scapula. The middle part was broadly observed within the infraspinous fossa. The inferior part showed variable location within the infraspinous fossa. The injection accuracy of the superior, middle, and inferior parts in the infraspinatus muscle was 95.8%, 100%, and 91.7%, respectively. Targeting the superior and middle parts for injection of the infraspinatus muscle is relatively more straightforward than targeting the inferior part. Targeting the inferior part of the infraspinatus muscle in this study was more challenging than targeting the superior and middle parts. CONCLUSION: Needling for electromyography should be performed with special care to avoid unintended muscle parts, which could lead to inaccurate data acquisition and affect the conclusions about muscle function.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome.

Teaching Point: Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable imaging tool in Parsonage-Turner syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that presents as acute denervation in the distribution of the brachial plexus.

Anatomical analysis of the motor endplate zones of the suprascapular nerve to the infraspinatus muscle and its clinical significance in managing pain disorder.

Myofascial pain syndrome caused by myofascial trigger points is a musculoskeletal disorder commonly encountered in clinical practice. The infraspinatus muscle is the region most frequently involved in the myofascial pain syndrome in the scapular region. The characteristics of the myofascial trigger points are that they can be found constantly in the motor endplate zone. However, localizing myofascial trigger points within the motor endplate zone and establishing an accurate injection site of the infraspinatus muscle has been challenging because the anatomical position of the motor endplate zone of the infraspinatus muscle is yet to be described. Therefore, this cadaveric study aimed to scrutinize the motor endplate zone of the infraspinatus muscle, propose potential myofascial trigger points within the muscle, and recommend therapeutic injection sites. Twenty specimens of the infraspinatus muscle for nerve staining and 10 fresh frozen cadavers for evaluation of the injection were used in this study. The number of nerve branches penetrating the infraspinatus muscle and their entry locations were analyzed and photographed. Modified Sihler's staining was performed to examine the motor endplate regions of the infraspinatus muscle. The nerve entry points were mostly observed in the center of the muscle belly. The motor endplate was distributed equally throughout the infraspinatus muscle, but the motor endplate zone was primarily identified in the B area, which is approximately 20-40% proximal to the infraspinatus muscle. The second-most common occurrence of the motor endplate zone was observed in the center of the muscle. These detailed anatomical data would be very helpful in predicting potential pain sites and establishing safe and effective injection treatment using botulinum neurotoxin, steroids, or lidocaine to alleviate the pain disorder of the infraspinatus muscle.

Predictors of infraspinatus muscle degeneration in individuals with an isolated supraspinatus tendon tear.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the demographic and clinical factors that predict infraspinatus muscle degeneration in individuals with an isolated supraspinatus tendon tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using the medical records of patients who had a shoulder MRI interpreted by 1 of 3 fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists since the implementation of a standardized MRI 3 T protocol within our healthcare system. Demographic (e.g., age, sex) and clinical data (e.g., tear size, muscle degeneration, co-morbidities) were collected. Patients with an isolated supraspinatus tendon tear (n = 121) were assigned to one of two groups based on whether any infraspinatus muscle degeneration was present. Logistic regression was used to assess the univariate relationships between infraspinatus muscle degeneration and patient and clinical data, while least absolute shrinkage and selector operator (LASSO) logistic regression was used to assess the multivariable relationship. RESULTS: Of the patients with an isolated supraspinatus tendon tear, 16.5% had evidence of infraspinatus muscle degeneration. The presence of infraspinatus muscle degeneration was independently associated with cardiovascular disease (P = 0.01), supraspinatus muscle degeneration (P < 0.01), and subscapularis muscle degeneration (P = 0.01). When the multivariable relationship is assessed, supraspinatus muscle degeneration emerged as the only variable of significant importance for detecting infraspinatus muscle degeneration (specificity: 87.1%, sensitivity: 80.0%). CONCLUSION: Infraspinatus muscle degeneration is not uncommon in individuals with an isolated supraspinatus tear and is most associated with concomitant supraspinatus muscle degeneration. These findings highlight the need for clinicians to specifically assess the status of each rotator cuff muscle, even when the tendon itself is intact.

The internal structure of the infraspinatus muscle: a magnetic resonance study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the internal structure of the infraspinatus muscle. A secondary aim was to explore differences in internal structure between genders, sides, and correlations to demographic data. METHODS: In total, 106 shoulder MRI examinations of patients between 18 and 30 years of age seeking care in 2012-2020 at The Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden were re-reviewed. RESULTS: The number of intramuscular tendons centrally in the infraspinatus muscle varied between 3 and 8 (median = 5). Laterally, the number of intramuscular tendons varied between 1 and 5 (median = 2). There was no difference in the median between the genders or sides. No correlations between the number of intramuscular tendons and demographic data were found. The muscle volume varied between 63 and 249 ml with a median of 188 ml for males and 122 ml for females. There was no significant difference in volume between the sides. The muscle volume correlated with body weight (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = 0.72, p < 0.001) and height (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The anatomical variations of the infraspinatus muscle are widespread. In the medial part of the muscle belly, the number of intramuscular tendons varied between 3 and 8, while the number of intramuscular tendons laterally varied between 1 and 5. Results of our study may help to understand the internal structure of the infraspinatus muscle and its function in shoulder stabilization.

The functional role of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle subregions during forward flexion: a shear wave elastography study.

Background: Knowledge of the morphological and functional differences in the anatomic subregions of the supraspinatus (SSP) and infraspinatus (ISP) muscles during forward flexion will provide useful information in the management of shoulder joint disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the SSP and ISP muscle subregions exhibit independent roles during forward flexion of the shoulder joint. Methods: Eight healthy male volunteers without any restriction in their shoulder joints were recruited for this study. Participants were instructed to sit on a chair with their back against the backrest. Shear modulus (kPa) was measured as a surrogate for muscle stiffness using shear wave elastography on the SSP and ISP muscle subregions. Active measurements of the nondominant arm were obtained during isometric contraction at a neutral position and every 15° intervals from 30° to 150° during forward flexion. Friedman test and Dunn's post hoc test were used to evaluate differences in measurement outcomes among angles during forward flexion in each muscle subregion. Results: Active stiffness outcomes of the anterior-middle subregion of the SSP muscle during forward flexion increased from 30° up to 45°, reaching a value of 182.4 ± 32.1 kPa (P < .001). Stiffness of the anterior-superficial subregion of the SSP muscle was highest at 30° (125.0 ± 20.6 kPa; P < .019) and linearly decreased up to 105° with increasing shoulder angle position. Stiffness of the superior, middle, and inferior subregions of ISP muscle presented a mountain-shaped trend, with peaks of 99.9 ± 23.5 kPa at 90° (P < .013), 144.2 ± 11.2 kPa at 90° (P < .013), and 122.9 ± 27.9 kPa at 105° (P < .007), respectively. Finally, the stiffness outcomes of the pectoralis major and anterior region of the deltoid muscles showed a mountain-shaped trend with peaks of 89.4 ± 23.5 kPa at 60° (P < .007) and 176.7 ± 22.9 kPa at 90° (P < .026), respectively. Conclusions: The SSP and ISP muscle subregions play a significant role during active forward flexion motion. While closely overlapped, the activity of the muscle subregions changed during the forward flexion motion range, starting with an active anterior-superficial subregion of the SSP muscle at the initial range of motion and an active inferior subregion of the ISP muscle toward midrange of motion. The SSP and ISP subregions did not demonstrate independent functional behavior during forward flexion.

An unreported infraspinatus muscle variation-two-headed infraspinatus minor muscle and three-headed fusion with the teres minor muscle.

The infraspinatus muscle is situated under the scapular spine in the infraspinous fossa and inserts into the greater tuberosity of the humerus. It is a component of a crucial shoulder muscle group, the rotator cuff. There are a few interesting additional muscles in the infraspinal region. In the literature they are called the infraspinatus superficialis, infraspinatus minor and infraspinatus accessory muscles. The infraspinatus minor muscle is described as a superficial muscle bundle running under the scapular spine. During routine anatomical dissection, an unreported variation of the infraspinatus minor muscle was found. It derived from the inferior surface of the scapular spine and the infraspinous fossa. It had two heads. The superior head inserted on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The inferior head inserted on the tendinous part of the infraspinatus muscle. There was also an unusual fusion of the infraspinatus muscle with the teres minor muscle. In this paper we will discuss the anatomical and physiological relationships of this morphological variation.

A newly reported muscle: an accessory infraspinatus or a deep layer of the latissimus dorsi?

The infraspinatus muscle is a component of the rotator cuff; the latissimus dorsi muscle is the largest muscle of the back. These muscles are not considered very morphologically variable. However, the latissimus dorsi has more frequent variations than the infraspinatus. During anatomical dissection, an additional muscle structure was found. It originated on the medial border of the scapula, ran under the scapular spine, and ended on the greater tubercle next to the infraspinatus attachment. We will discuss the anatomical and physiological relationships of this muscle. We believe that our finding underlines the importance of different muscle variants in the rotator cuff region. Level of evidence: II basic science research.

Pressure pain threshold mappings of the infraspinatus muscle in chronic unilateral shoulder pain patients do not reflect generalized hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVES: Increased mechanical sensitivity has been observed on the unaffected side in chronic pain conditions, suggesting generalized or widespread hypersensitivity. However, this cannot be considered as a universal response since this hypersensitivity is inconsistent across muscle pain pathologies. The aim of this study was to assess generalized hypersensitivity in chronic unilateral shoulder pain, using pressure pain threshold (PPT) mappings of the infraspinatus muscle. The proposed evaluation is based on the assessment of PPT on a limited subset of sites, reducing potential habituation or sensitization effects. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with unilateral shoulder pain (USP) and twenty-seven healthy volunteers were recruited. PPT was assessed using a manual pressure algometer. Six sites distributed over the infraspinatus muscle were assessed, and three repetitions were performed at each site. Mappings were derived using two-dimensional interpolation. RESULTS: Lower PPT values were found in the symptomatic side in comparison with the asymptomatic side at all assessment sites (estimated difference: 1.42 ±â€¯0.10 kgf/cm2, p < 0.001), but there were no differences among the asymptomatic side of USP patients and any of the sides in healthy volunteers (largest estimated difference: 0.17 ±â€¯0.28 kgf/cm2, p = 0.927). Furthermore, the medial region of the infraspinatus muscle showed higher mechanical sensitivity in both healthy volunteers and USP patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that USP does not induce generalized hypersensitivity, in contrast with previously reported findings. Physiotherapists could take these results into account for the assessment and treatment of patients with USP.

Effect of different postures of the scapular girdle and arm on the pressure pain threshold in the infraspinatus muscle.

BACKGROUND: Mechanosensitivity changes and trigger points in the infraspinatus muscle are associated with several painful conditions of the upper limb. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different postures of the upper quadrant on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the infraspinatus muscle. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Fifty-four subjects with and without shoulder pain (Asymptomatic subjects = 27, mean age 26.9 ± 4.92 years, BMI 23.73 ± 3.87), (symptomatic subjects = 27, mean age 27.6 ± 3.68 years, BMI 24.35 ± 3.86) were evaluated with a pressure algometer on the infraspinatus muscle belly, in four different positions of the upper quadrant: rest position (P1), passive scapular retraction position (P2), cervical contralateral inclination position (P3), and suprascapular nerve provocation position (P4). The assessed side was randomly chosen and all measurements were taken in sitting position. RESULTS: No differences were observed between groups. The within-group analysis showed differences for both factors: "Positions" (F = 69.91; p = 0.001) and the interaction "Positions^Group" (F = 3.36; p = 0.02). The pairwise post-hoc analysis showed differences for the retracted position (P2) compared to others P1 (p = 0.001), P3 (p = 0.001), and P4 (p = 0.001), with higher PPT results achieved on the retracted position. Differences between P4 vs. P1 (p = 0.03) were also observed, with higher values for P4. CONCLUSION: Placing the scapular girdle in a passive scapular retraction position significantly reduces the pressure sensitivity at the infraspinatus muscle. Physiotherapists can take into account these results when assessing and treating patients with upper quadrant pain syndromes.

A study on the immediate effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the corticospinal tract excitability of the infraspinatus muscle.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff muscles are structurally and functionally different from other upper-limb muscles because they are responsible for glenohumeral joint stability. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) induces excitability changes (increase or decrease) of the corticospinal tract (CST) in the peripheral muscles, such as those of the finger. However, it remains unclear whether similar results are obtained when targeting the infraspinatus muscle, which has properties that differ from other muscles, in healthy subjects. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the immediate effects of NMES on the corticospinal excitability of the infraspinatus muscle, a rotator cuff muscle, in healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirteen healthy right-handed men (mean age: 26.77 ± 2.08 years) participated in this study. The motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and the maximum compound muscle action potential (Mmax) were recorded before NMES to the right infraspinatus and within 15 minutes after the end of the NMES. RESULTS: NMES on the infraspinatus muscle significantly increased its MEP amplitude (Pre: 0.45 mV [0.33-0.48]; Post: 0.54 mV [0.46-0.60] (median [lower quartile to higher quartile]); p= 0.005) but had no effect on Mmax (Pre: 2.95 mV [2.59-4.71]; Post: 3.35 mV [2.76-4.72]; p= 0.753). CONCLUSIONS: NMES application to the infraspinatus muscle increases CST excitability without producing immediate changes in the neuromuscular junction or muscle hypertrophy.

Shoulder scaption is dependent on the behavior of the different partitions of the infraspinatus muscle.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate if the three partitions (superior, middle, and inferior partitions) of the infraspinatus muscle previously described in anatomical studies will present different behavior during scapular plane abduction (scaption) as described using shear-wave elastography, especially during initial range of motion. METHODS: Eight volunteers held their arm against gravity 15° intervals from 30° to 150° in scaption. Shear-wave elastography was implemented at each position to measure shear modulus at rest and during muscle contraction, as a surrogate for muscle stiffness, of each partition. Muscle activity was defined as the difference in stiffness values between the resting positions and those during muscle contraction (ΔE = stiffness at contraction-stiffness at rest). RESULTS: The activity value for the middle partition was 25.1 ± 10.8 kPa at 30° and increased up to 105° (52.2 ± 10.8 kPa), with a subsequent decrease at larger angle positions (p < .001). The superior partition showed a flatter and constant behavior with smaller activity values except at higher angles (p < .001). Peak activity values for the superior partition were observed at 135° (23.0 ± 12.0 kPa). Increase activity for inferior partition began at 60° and showed a peak at 135° (p < .001; 32.9 ± 13.8 kPa). CONCLUSION: Stiffness measured using shear-wave elastography in each partition of the infraspinatus muscle demonstrated different behavior between these partitions during scaption. The middle partition generated force throughout scaption, while the superior and inferior partitions exerted force at end range.

Infraspinatus muscle palsy involving suprascapular nerve, brachial plexus or cervical roots related to inflammatory or mechanical causes: Experience of 114 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To report a large series of neurogenic infraspinatus muscle (ISM) palsy, in order to improve knowledge of diagnosis, diverse etiologies and care management. METHODS: Clinical and electrodiagnostic (EDX) data for 114 cases of ISM palsy were collected over a 21-year period. Cases were attributed to 4 clinical conditions: (1) isolated suprascapular nerve mononeuropathy (n=48), (2) multiple mononeuropathies (n=33), (3) plexus lesions (n=17), and (4) cervical radiculopathy (n=16). These were related to 2 mechanisms: inflammatory (dysimmune) and mechanical. RESULTS: Group 1 cases were younger, had the most severe ISM palsies, were mostly related to inflammatory lesions (81%) such as neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), and frequently had delayed diagnosis because disability was mild. Group 2 cases were all related to inflammatory lesions and had slightly less severe ISM palsies that were frequently hidden by winged scapula. In groups 3 and 4, ISM palsies were milder and all cases were related to mechanical lesions such as brachial plexus trauma or C4-C5-C6 radiculopathy. In these cases, deltoid and ISM palsies were equal in frequency and severity whereas biceps brachii impairment was less frequent and much milder. Deltoid palsy frequently appeared predominant as compared with ISM palsy, because upper limb elevation palsy was more disabling than external rotation palsy. CONCLUSIONS: ISM palsy is a rare condition, often under-diagnosed and misidentified. The 4 main conditions of ISM palsy may be recognized by careful clinical, EDX and other examinations when necessary. Analysis of the present series highlights some clinical and EDX points that should help non-specialist and even specialist clinicians who are faced with this rare condition, to distinguish mechanical and inflammatory causes, and thus adapt patient management accordingly.

Restoration of shoulder external rotation by means of the infraspinatus muscle reinnervation with a radial nerve branch transfer.

Background: Although reinnervation of the suprascapular nerve is frequently obtained through brachial plexus surgery, reestablishment of infraspinatus muscle function is rarely achieved.Methods: The viability of transfer of the radial nerve to the nerve branch to the infraspinatus muscle was determined anatomically, including histomorphometrical analysis on 30 adult cadavers. Eleven adult patients were then treated using the proposed nerve transfer.Results: The branch to the medial head was more suitable for the nerve transfer. In one cadaver, nerve transfer was impossible because there was no donor of sufficient length. According to axon counts, the branches to the lateral and medial heads had sufficient numbers of axons (means = 994.2 ± 447.6 and 1030.8 ± 258.5, respectively) for reinnervation of the branch to the infraspinatus (means = 830.2 ± 241.2 axons). In the surgical series, one patient was lost in the follow-up and only two patients achieved a good result from the transfer. Recovery of external shoulder rotation started 14 months after surgery in one patient and 8 months in the other. The first patient reached 90° of external rotation 6 months later and the second, achieved 120°of shoulder external rotation 6 months after surgery . Four other patients recovered small amounts of movement: 20, 35, 40 and 45°.Conclusions: Although anatomically feasible, the proposed nerve transfer resulted in a small number of good clinical outcomes.

Myositis ossificans in the infraspinatus muscle: The key to diagnosis.

The zone phenomenon is the most important diagnostic feature in differentiating myositis ossificans from malignancies such as osteosarcomas, which calcify from the center to the periphery and its presence in our late-stage lesion was the key to diagnosis.

Effect of the Rearing Managements Applied during Heifers' Whole Life on Quality Traits of Five Muscles of the Beef Rib.

The aim of this work was to study the effects of four different rearing managements applied during the heifers' whole life period (WLP) on muscles from ribs in the chuck sale section. The characteristics of meat studied were the sensory, rheological, and color of the longissimus muscle (LM) and the rheological traits of four other muscles: complexus, infraspinatus, rhomboideus, and serratus ventralis. The main results showed that WLP rearing managements did not significantly impact the tenderness (sensory or rheological analyses) of the rib muscles. The LM had high (p ≤ 0.05) typical flavor and was appreciated when heifers received a WLP rearing management characterized by a short pasture duration during the heifers' whole life (WLP-E). The heifers' management characterized by a long pasture duration during their life (WLP-A) or by a diet composed mainly of hay during the growth and fattening periods (WLP-F), had lower typical flavor and were less appreciated than those with WLP-E management. Moreover, the LM color was redder for heifers of WLP-E than those of the WLP-A and WLP-F groups. This study confirmed that it is possible to obtain similar meat qualities with different rearing managements.

The Rotator Cuff Healing Index: A New Scoring System to Predict Rotator Cuff Healing After Surgical Repair.

BACKGROUND: Scoring systems integrating possible prognostic factors and predicting rotator cuff healing after surgical repair could provide valuable information for clinical practice. PURPOSE: To determine the prognostic factors predictive of rotator cuff healing after surgical repair and to integrate these factors into a scoring system. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The authors reviewed the records of 603 patients who, at least 12 months after primary rotator cuff repair by a single surgeon, had magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic arthrography to assess repair integrity. The mean age at the time of surgery was 60 years (range, 39-81 years), and 378 patients were women (62.7%). Previous known or suggested factors affecting cuff integrity were analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses. Factors identified in the multivariate analysis were integrated in a scoring system based on odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: The overall healing failure rate was 24%. The following independent risk factors were identified in the multivariate analysis: age >70 years at the time of surgery ( P = .003, OR = 2.71), size of the tear in anteroposterior dimension ( P = .033, OR = 1.94) and retraction ( P = .000, OR = 4.56), fatty infiltration of infraspinatus exceeding grade 2 ( P = .001, OR = 2.91), low bone mineral density (T score ≤ -2.5, P = .04, OR = 1.95), and high level of work activity ( P = .036, OR = 2.18). A 15-point scoring system comprised the following: 4 points for retraction; 3 points for fatty infiltration of infraspinatus; and 2 points for anteroposterior tear size, age, bone mineral density, and work activity, weighted according to multivariate analysis ORs. Patients with ≤4 points had a 6.0% healing failure rate, and those with ≥5 and ≥10 points had 55.2% and 86.2% healing failure rates, respectively. CONCLUSION: A numerical scoring system including significant clinical and radiological factors was designed to predict healing of the rotator cuff after surgical repair. This scoring system helped predict the adequacy of the repair and assist in deciding the appropriate treatment options.