Kiertäjäkalvo

Kiertäjäkalvo, also known as the rotator cuff, is a crucial functional anatomical unit in the shoulder. It is composed of four muscles and their tendons: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles originate from the scapula (shoulder blade) and their tendons converge to form a sheath-like covering around the head of the humerus (upper arm bone).

The primary role of the kiertäjäkalvo is to provide dynamic stability to the glenohumeral joint, the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. It keeps the humeral head centered within the shallow glenoid cavity during arm movements, preventing dislocation and allowing for a wide range of motion. The individual muscles also contribute to specific movements: supraspinatus initiates abduction (lifting the arm away from the body), infraspinatus and teres minor are external rotators, and subscapularis is an internal rotator.

Injuries to the kiertäjäkalvo are common, particularly in athletes involved in overhead activities or individuals with repetitive shoulder use. These injuries can range from tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons) to partial or full tears of the rotator cuff tendons. Symptoms often include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion, especially during overhead activities or when sleeping on the affected side. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury and may include conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention for significant tears.