Rotator Cuff Tears: The Supraspinatus Is Most Commonly Torn

The supraspinatus tendon is the most frequently torn rotator cuff tendon due to its:

• Critical location beneath the acromion (impingement zone).
• Poor vascularity in the “critical zone” (1 cm from insertion).
• High tensile load during abduction.

Tears often start as partial‑thickness articular‑side lesions and progress to full‑thickness. Early intervention (PT, activity modification) may halt progression.