Mechanical properties of the rotator cuff: response to cyclic loading at varying abduction angles

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2003 Nov;11(6):389-92. doi: 10.1007/s00167-003-0404-5. Epub 2003 Jul 29.

Abstract

The rotator cuff is loaded under static as well as dynamic conditions. Whilst the static properties of the rotator cuff muscle-tendon junctions have been reported, the dynamic mechanical behaviour has not. This study reports the dynamic mechanical properties with varying abduction angles in a human cadaver rotator cuff. No significant effect was found with varying the angle of testing or in the presence of a tear in the tendon. The supraspinatus was found to be the stiffest of the rotator cuff tendons followed by the subscapularis and infraspinatus.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cadaver
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*
  • Rotator Cuff / physiology*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tensile Strength / physiology