1. 1  a suffix, equivalent in meaning to -ic, occurring in adjectives of Greek origin (analytic), used especially in the formation of adjectives from nouns with stems in -sis: hematotic; neurotic. Origin of -tic. Greek.
The supraspinatus (plural supraspinati, from Latin supraspinatus) is a relatively small muscle of the upper back that runs from the supraspinatous fossa superior of the scapula (shoulder blade) to the greater tubercle of the humerus. It is one of the four rotator cuff muscles and also abducts the arm at the shoulder.
Small tears involve less than one of the 4 muscles. Usually this is the supraspinatus, the muscle at the top of the rotator cuff, which sits just under the spur on the shoulder blade, and is usually the first muscle to tear. Partial tears are included in this category as well.