Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Bursa

bursa musculi infraspinati et teretis minoris

A small adventitial bursa may develop between the infraspinatus and teres minor tendons at the posterior shoulder, or between these tendons and the overlying posterior deltoid. It is not a consistent anatomical structure but forms in response to posterior rotator cuff friction or degeneration. It is encountered in posterior shoulder surgical approaches and in posterior rotator cuff pathology.

Region: Shoulder

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Posterior shoulder bursa formation accompanies posterior rotator cuff tears (infraspinatus and teres minor tears) and external rotation impingement. Ultrasound and MRI demonstrate bursal fluid between the posterior cuff tendons and the posterior deltoid in posterior impingement syndrome. Posterior capsular tightness (the principal cause of internal impingement in overhead athletes) produces posterior shoulder pain at the posterior cuff insertion with the arm in abduction and external rotation. Posterior shoulder bursitis responds to corticosteroid injection under ultrasound guidance directed to the posterior bursal recess.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Posterior Shoulder Bursitis in Internal Impingement

Posterior rotator cuff bursa inflammation in overhead athletes with posterior capsular contracture produces posterior shoulder pain at maximum external rotation and elevation, the classic internal impingement position where the posterior cuff articular surface contacts the posterosuperior glenoid rim; posterior capsular stretching reduces impingement and resolves the bursitis.