The human body is inherently unique. Everything is thought out in it to the smallest detail. Each muscle, each cell performs its specific work. And only because of this can a person fully exist. Now I want to talk about what subscapularis muscle is and what is its main function.
Definition of concepts
Initially, you need to understand the basic terminology. So what is subscapularis muscle? According to the medical dictionary, in Latin the name of this part of the human body sounds like m. Subscapularis. It belongs to the muscle group of the shoulder girdle. It originates from the front surface of the scapula, which is also called costal. It is attached to a tubercle located on the humerus.
Main function
Why do you need subscapularis muscle? Its functions are very simple. However, without their execution, a person will not be able to fully live and perform their daily work. So she:
- leads the shoulder to the body of a person;
- helps the shoulder to turn inward.
However, its main task is to help the shoulder joint, stabilizing its work with shoulder movements. It is indispensable for the proper operation of the entire shoulder girdle.
Appearance
The subscapularis muscle has a triangular shape, it is flat. Consists of multiple beams. It is important to note that between these bundles there are special layers, which makes this muscle very unique and unlike the others. It also has two layers:
- Deep. It starts from the costal surface of the scapula. However, it does not coincide slightly in form with it, since it seems to be a bit biased.
- Surface. It is located from the fascia of the subscapular type, where it is firmly attached to the edges of the subscapular fossa.
Palpation
In addition to the subscapularis muscle, the so-called rotating ring includes three more: small round, abdominal and supraspinatus. It is because of this that the subscapularis muscle is palpated very, very difficult. Not only is it part of a large complex, it is also located on the front of the scapula. That is, it fits snugly to the chest. Only a specialist can palpate it. To do this, you will have to perform a number of actions:
- The patient should lie either on his stomach or on his back.
- The patient’s hand is pulled aside as far as possible.
- It is necessary to “pass” with your fingers under the back wall of the axillary fossa, while feeling for the edge of the scapula.
- Moving medially, you can feel the subscapularis muscle. At the same time, it must be pressed against the front wall of the scapula.
Doctors say that muscle is not always detectable. Much depends on the ability of the patient’s shoulder blade to move relative to the chest.
About pain
Damage to the subscapularis muscle is always associated with discomfort. So, a person can feel discomfort not only in the place where it is located. The pain can concentrate in the area of the muscle, can spread to the entire scapula. But it also happens that uncomfortable sensations appear even in the wrist. It is in this place that they are girdle-like. Also, unpleasant sensations can be in the case of an attempt to move the shoulder to the side or move it outward. Pain can occur as a result of the most common causes:
- strong shoulder load when turning inward, especially if the load is regular. This problem, for example, often occurs in swimmers swimming with a crawl;
- shoulder injuries of a different nature may also be the cause.
About problems
What problems can arise if we are talking about this part of the human body? The first problem is the tendinopathy of the subscapularis muscle. These are some degenerative changes that arise as a result of insufficient blood supply to the muscles of the shoulder girdle. Hereditary pathologies of connective tissue can also be the cause of tendopathies. It should be noted that, for example, with tendon subscapularis muscle pain in a person increases at the moment of bringing the spoon to the mouth, combing the hair, and retracting the arm behind the back. It should be noted that if the patient often has similar problems concerning the muscles of the shoulder girdle, then he may be diagnosed with “shoulder-shoulder periarthritis”. Also, this problem can occur in the case of permanent tendon trauma.
About the breaks
Rupture of the subscapularis muscle does not occur so often. However, the cause most often becomes tendopathies that occur as precursors to this problem. Symptoms of tendon rupture of the subscapularis muscle:
- sharp increase in pain;
- inability to move your hand freely.
It is also important to note that tears can be either partial or complete when the tendon is completely detached from the attachment. Of course, the intensity of pain also depends on this. With partial ruptures, the movement of the hand can still be maintained (although it will be accompanied by pain), while with full ruptures the arm is completely immobilized.
Diagnostics
Only a doctor can diagnose a problem. To do this, you need to examine the patient and collect an anamnesis. Also, the patient must be sent for x-ray. To clarify the amount of damage, you will have to go through an ultrasound procedure or an MRI.
Treatment
How is the subscapularis muscle treated? Most often it is conservative. The main thing with a partial rupture of the tendons is to relieve the pain. For this, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed. Also, the sore spot is fixed by a tight bandage. When the tendons rupture, a splint can be used. When the pain passes and the shoulder returns to normal, doctors prescribe special exercises to develop the joint.
Sometimes surgery is required. This is most often necessary in the case of a complete rupture of the tendons, or if conservative treatment did not produce the desired results.