The microvascular pattern of the supraspinatus tendon

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Lohr-JF; Uhthoff-HK Clin-Orthop. 1990 May(254): 35-8 The vascular pattern of the supraspinatus tendon was studied in 18 human anatomic specimens. The ages of the specimens ranged from 26 to 84 years. Selective vascular injection with a silicon-rubber compound allowed visualization of the vascular bed of the rotator cuff and humeral head. The presence of a hypovascular or critical zone close to the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon into the humeral head was confirmed. However, only a uniformly sparse vascular distribution was found at the articular side, as opposed to the well-vascularized bursal side. This was also confirmed with histologic sections of the tendon. The poor vascularity of the tendon in this area could be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of degenerative rotator cuff tears.