: supraspinati) is a relatively small muscle of the upper back that runs from the supraspinous fossa superior portion of the scapula (shoulder blade) to the greater tubercle of the humerus.

[6] The supraspinatus forms part of the rotator cuff and is one of its most frequently damaged components, whether from acute injury or gradual degeneration.

[7] Bad posture and age are leading risk factors, with a high prevalence of asymptomatic partial and full tears, as well as symptomatic syndromes with chronic pain.

[9] A comparative effectiveness review of nonoperative and operative treatments for rotator cuff tears was performed at the University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center in 2010.

The review identified one study which reported that, "Patients receiving early surgery had superior function compared with the delayed surgical group".

Instead it concluded that "The paucity of evidence related to early versus delayed surgery is of particular concern, as patients and providers must decide whether to attempt initial nonoperative management or proceed immediately with surgical repair".

The suprascapular nerve which innervates the supraspinatus can be damaged along its course in fractures of the overlying clavicle, which can reduce the person's ability to initiate the abduction.