Skip to main content

Rotator Interval

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Sports Injuries

Abstract

Rotator interval (RI) is an important anatomical entity with a significant role in shoulder stability. Rotator interval refers to the interspace between the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons through which courses the long head of biceps tendon. Coracohumeral and superior glenohumeral ligaments are also located in this area.

Clinical and biomechanical studies indicated that the rotator interval has importance in the stability and biomechanics of shoulder functions by controlling the anteroinferior translation and also the external rotation of the adducted shoulder. RI is a dynamic structure of which dimensions vary with shoulder movements.

Surgical treatment of the RI is suggested in instability procedures. There is agreement that rotator interval closure decreases translation of the shoulder in anterior and inferior directions. However, its effect on the posterior translation is questionable.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 219.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Boardman, N.D., Debski, R.E., Warner, J.P., et al.: Tensile properties of the superior glenohumeral and coracohumeral ligaments. J. Shoulder Elbow Surg. 5, 249–254 (1996)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Field, L.D., Warren, R.F., O’Brien, S.J., Altchek, D.W., Wickiewicz, T.L.: Isolated closure of rotator interval defects for shoulder instability. Am. J. Sports Med. 23, 557–563 (1995)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Gartsman, G.M., Roddey, T.S., Hammerman, S.M.: Arthroscopic treatment of anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability. Two to five-year follow-up. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 82, 991–1003 (2000)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Harryman II, D.T., Sidles, J.A., Harris, S.L., Matsen III, F.A.: The role of the rotator interval capsule in passive motion and stability of the shoulder. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 74, 53–66 (1992)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Hunt, S.A., Kwon, Y.W., Zuckerman, J.D.: The rotator interval: anatomy, pathology, and strategies for treatment. J. Am. Acad. Orthop. Surg. 15, 218–227 (2007)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Itoi, E., Berglund, L.J., Grabowski, J.J., et al.: Superior-inferior stability of the shoulder: role of the coracohumeral ligament and the rotator interval capsule. Mayo Clin. Proc. 73, 508–515 (1998)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Jost, B., Koch, P.P., Gerber, C.: Anatomy and functional aspects of the rotator interval. J. Shoulder Elbow Surg. 9, 336–341 (2000)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Kim, K.C., Rhee, K.J., Shin, H.D., Kim, Y.M.: Estimating the dimensions of the rotator interval with use of magnetic resonance arthrography. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 89, 2450–2455 (2007)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Mologne, T.S., Zhao, K., Hongo, M., Romeo, A.A., An, K.N., Provencher, M.T.: The addition of rotator interval closure after arthroscopic repair of either anterior or posterior shoulder instability: effect on glenohumeral translation and range of motion. Am. J. Sports Med. 36, 1123–1131 (2008)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Neer II, C.S.: Displaced proximal humerus fractures: I. Classification and evaluation. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 52, 1077–1089 (1970)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Nobuhara, K., Ikeda, H.: Rotator interval lesion. Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. 223, 44–50 (1987)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Nottage, W.: Rotator interval lesions: physical exam, imaging, arthroscopic findings, and repair. Tech. Shoulder Elbow Surg. 4, 175–184 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Ozsoy, M.H., Bayramoglu, A., Demiryurek, D., et al.: Rotator interval dimensions in different shoulder arthroscopy positions: a cadaveric study. J. Shoulder Elbow Surg. 17, 624–630 (2008)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Plancher, K.D., Johnston, J.C., Peterson, R.K., Hawkins, R.J.: The dimensions of the rotator interval. J. Shoulder Elbow Surg. 14, 620–625 (2005)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Plausinis, D., Bravman, J.T., Heywood, C., et al.: Arthroscopic rotator interval closure: effect of sutures on glenohumeral motion and anterior-posterior translation. Am. J. Sports Med. 34, 1656–1661 (2006)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Provencher, M.T., Saldua, N.S.: The rotator interval of the shoulder: anatomy, biomechanics, and repair techniques. Oper. Tech. Orthop. 18, 9–22 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Rowe, C.R., Zarins, B.: Recurrent transient subluxation of the shoulder. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 63, 863–872 (1981)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Warner, J.J., Deng, X.H., Warren, R.F., Torzilli, P.A.: Static capsuloligamentous restraints to superior-inferior translation of the glenohumeral joint. Am. J. Sports Med. 20, 675–685 (1992)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Wolf, R.S., Zheng, N., Iero, J., Weichel, D.: The effects of thermal capsulorrhaphy and rotator interval closure on multidirectional laxity in the glenohumeral joint: a cadaveric biomechanical study. Arthroscopy 20, 1044–1049 (2004)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Yamamoto, N., Itoi, E., Tuoheti, Y., et al.: Effect of rotator interval closure on glenohumeral stability and motion: a cadaveric study. J. Shoulder Elbow Surg. 15, 750–758 (2006)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mehmet Hakan Özsoy .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Özsoy, M.H., Bayramoğlu, A. (2012). Rotator Interval. In: Doral, M. (eds) Sports Injuries. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-15630-4_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-15630-4_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-15629-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-15630-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics