Cadaveric dissection and sequential cutting study of 21 shoulders defining the layered anatomy of the rotator interval — the space between the supraspinatus and subscapularis — and determining which specific structures restrain inferior translation versus external rotation of the adducted arm.
When a patient has limited external rotation from adhesive capsulitis or post-surgical contracture, the lateral rotator interval (fibrous plate) is the relevant structure to release — not the CHL at the coracoid.
Conversely, when performing rotator interval closure for instability, do it with the arm in external rotation to avoid inadvertently locking out external rotation.
Cadaveric dissection and sequential cutting study of 21 shoulders defining the layered anatomy of the rotator interval — the space between the supraspinatus and subscapularis — and determining which specific structures restrain inferior translation versus external rotation of the adducted arm.
When a patient has limited external rotation from adhesive capsulitis or post-surgical contracture, the lateral rotator interval (fibrous plate) is the relevant structure to release — not the CHL at the coracoid.
Conversely, when performing rotator interval closure for instability, do it with the arm in external rotation to avoid inadvertently locking out external rotation.