title: Subscapularis minor--an analogue of the Teres minor?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the subscapularis (SSC) in forward flexion. We hypothesized that the inferior part of the SSC has a main role in the ability to preserve forward flexion in cases of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears.
  
  
  METHODS
  Active forward flexion of the shoulder was prospectively evaluated in patients presenting with Grade 3 or higher SSC fatty degeneration, with superior and inferior SSC tears being evaluated separately.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study. Pseudoparalytic shoulders were found in 80% of cases when the inferior part of the SSC was torn, but never when only the superior part was torn.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The inferior SSC or "Subscapularis minor" can be considered as an analogue to the teres minor in the posterior aspect of the shoulder. It must be preserved in cases of tears and fatty degeneration of the superior part, and repaired when possible.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level II.
authors.affiliation: Saint-Grégoire Private Hospital, 6 boulevard de la Boutière, Saint-Grégoire cedex, France. collin.ph@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Collin
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lädermann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Le Bourg
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Walch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome