What are the consequences of humeral head migration in rotator cuff injuries?

Humeral head migration in rotator cuff injuries can significantly affect the shoulder's biomechanics and lead to various complications. When the humeral head migrates, it can impinge on the rotator cuff structures, particularly as the shoulder is elevated or rotated. This impingement restricts the normal movement of the shoulder and can cause pain, decreased range of motion, and further damage to the rotator cuff tendons.

The migration of the humeral head typically occurs due to weakness in the surrounding musculature, particularly the rotator cuff itself, which fails to hold the humeral head in its optimal position within the glenoid cavity. This misalignment can result in increased friction and pressure on the rotator cuff tendons as well as surrounding soft tissues, ultimately complicating the recovery process.

In contrast, enhancing muscular strength, promoting faster healing, or stabilizing the joint are not direct consequences of humeral head migration in the context of rotator cuff injuries. Strengthening may occur through rehabilitation but is not an outcome of migration. Similarly, while stabilization may improve with proper therapy or surgical intervention, the migration itself generally leads to instability rather than stabilization. Therefore, recognizing the role of humeral head migration in causing impingement is critical for effective diagnosis