The supraspinatus footprint is the broad elliptical attachment zone of the supraspinatus tendon on the superior greater tuberosity, extending an average of 23mm in the anterior-posterior direction. The fibres interdigitate with bone through enthesis fibrocartilage.
Provides the primary supraspinatus to greater tuberosity force transmission, distributes the supraspinatus contraction force across the superior tuberosity footprint, and is the site of degenerative and traumatic rotator cuff tears.
Anatomic footprint restoration in rotator cuff repair requires covering the complete footprint with suture anchors in a double-row configuration — single-row repair restores only 58% of the footprint area. Footprint healing confirmed by MRI at 6 months predicts functional outcomes.
Medial and lateral row suture anchors compressing the supraspinatus to its full anatomic footprint, improving footprint coverage from 58% (single row) to 85% (double row) and enhancing healing potential.
Supraspinatus tears classified by percentage of footprint involvement — less than 50% footprint width are partial thickness tears potentially amenable to debridement; greater than 50% require repair.
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