Anatomy of the posterior rotator interval: implications for cuff mobilization. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Release of the posterior rotator interval between the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons may be necessary to obtain appropriate mobilization for an anatomic rotator cuff repair. Ten cadaver shoulders were dissected to expose the region between the infraspinatus and supraspinatus from the spinoglenoid notch to the greater tuberosity. Measurements were made from the spinoglenoid notch to the glenoid rim, the glenoid rim to the confluence of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus musculotendinous junction, and from the confluence of the tendons to the insertion on the humerus. The histologic features of the posterior rotator interval were examined. The posterior rotator interval is a clear structure, consisting of the glenohumeral capsule medially, which fuses with the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons laterally. The average length of the posterior rotator interval was 77.8 mm which includes the distance from the spinoglenoid notch to the glenoid rim (25 mm; standard deviation, 2.89 mm; range, 21-28 mm), from the glenoid to the tendon confluence (25 mm; standard deviation, 1.95 mm; range, 21-28 mm), and from the tendon confluence to insertion (28 mm; standard deviation, 2.36 mm; range, 24-31 mm). Release of the posterior rotator interval can be important to realign the supraspinatus tendon if it is retracted and scarred at its posterior edge.

publication date

  • March 1, 2003

Research

keywords

  • Rotator Cuff

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0037338512

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/00003086-200303000-00018

PubMed ID

  • 12616052

Additional Document Info

issue

  • 408