Abstract
The rotator cuff interval can be found in the anterior superior aspect of the glenohumeral joint between the supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles. It consists of the coracohumeral ligament , superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments, long head of the biceps, and corresponding shoulder capsule. It is not only an important landmark for arthroscopy and surgical entry into the shoulder but also a critical anatomic structure in adhesive capsulitis and instability pathology. The coracohumeral ligament, the focus of this chapter, is the most superficial of the rotator interval components and blends its fibers with the other components of the rotator interval to create a multidirectional support sling that keeps the humeral head elevated and resists external rotation. For this reason, when the coracohumeral ligament and rotator interval becomes contracted, as in adhesive capsulitis, the humeral head elevates and loses external rotation; when they are patulous and incompetent, the biceps tendon and glenohumeral joint develop instability.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Neer 2nd CS. Displaced proximal humeral fractures. I. Classification and evaluation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1970;52(6):1077–89.
Hunt SA, Kwon YW, Zuckerman JD. The rotator interval: anatomy, pathology, and strategies for treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2007;15(4):218–27.
Codman E. The shoulder – rupture of the supraspinatus tendon and other lesions in or about the subacromial bursa. 2nd ed. Boston: Thomas Todd Company; 1934.
Jost B, Koch PP, Gerber C. Anatomy and functional aspects of the rotator interval. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2000;9(4):336–41.
Terry R. The shoulder-joint. In: Jackson CM, editor. Morris’ human anatomy – a complete systematic treatise. 9th ed. Philadelphia: P. Blakiston’s Son & Co Inc; 1933.
Blair D. The shoulder-joint. In: Robinson A, editor. Cunningham’s test-book of anatomy. 6th ed. New York: Oxford; 1931.
Harryman 2nd DT, et al. The role of the rotator interval capsule in passive motion and stability of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1992;74(1):53–66.
Gyftopoulos S, et al. The rotator cable: magnetic resonance evaluation and clinical correlation. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2012;20(2):173–85, ix.
Zappia M, et al. Long head of the biceps tendon and rotator interval. Musculoskelet Surg. 2013;97 Suppl 2:S99–108.
Boardman ND, et al. Tensile properties of the superior glenohumeral and coracohumeral ligaments. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1996;5(4):249–54.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 ISAKOS
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Savoie, F.H., Cohen, C., Faust, K.C. (2015). Rotator Cuff Interval. In: Bain, G., Itoi, E., Di Giacomo, G., Sugaya, H. (eds) Normal and Pathological Anatomy of the Shoulder. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45719-1_11
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45719-1_11
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-662-45718-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-45719-1
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)