A 50-year-old woman is evaluated due to left shoulder pain. The pain started after lifting heavy objects in the house last week. Physical examination shows painful external rotation with preserved strength. Radiological imaging shows the completion of the left infraspinatus muscle. The preserved strength is explained by compensatory hypertrophy of which of the following muscles?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The rotator cuff muscles are attached to the humerus and act to move the arm. External rotation of the arm is acted by the infraspinatus and the teres minor muscles. If any muscle of these is damaged, the other muscle will hypertrophy to compensate and preserve external rotation.

A 50-Year-Old Woman Is Evaluated Due to Left Shoulder Pain