Facet Anatomy of the Greater Tuberosity

The superior (anterior) facet of the greater tuberosity is horizontal on coronal oblique MR images and is the site of attachment of the supraspinatus tendon.

The middle facet of the greater tuberosity is obliquely oriented and is the site of attachment of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. The supraspinatus tendon attaches to the superior half of the middle facet, while the infraspinatus tendon attaches to the entire middle facet, covering a portion of the supraspinatus tendon.

As we move posteriorly, we see both the middle and inferior (posterior) facets. The inferior facet is vertically oriented and is the site of attachment of the teres minor tendon.

References

• Minagawa H, Itoi E, Konno N, Kido T, Sano A, Urayama M, Sato K. Humeral attachment of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons: an anatomic study. Arthroscopy. 1998 Apr;14(3):302-6.