title: Macroscopical anatomy of the so-called "rotator interval". A cadaver study on 19 shoulder joints.
abstract: The triangular capsular space between the insertion tendons of the Mm. supraspinatus and subscapularis--the "rotator interval", can be divided into lateral, medio-superior and medio-inferior parts. The lateral part of the capsule is strengthened by the "Lig. semicirculare humeri" and the anterior fibres of the M. supraspinatus tendon. The Ligg. coracohumerale and "coracoglenoidale" are the macroscopical elements of the medio-superior part. The medio-inferior part of the "rotator interval" is reinforced by the Ligg. glenohumeralia superius et medium. The key ligament of the "rotator interval" is the "Lig. semicirculare humeri". Laterally it ensures the insertion of the anterior fibres of the M. supraspinatus tendon above the Lig. transversum humeri and on the Tubercula majus et minus. Medially it is the place of attachment of the Lig. coracohumerale and oblique fibres of the Lig. glenohumerale superius. The "rotator interval" is not a weak capsular region but a complex network of macroscopically recognizable tendinous and ligamentous structures.
authors.affiliation: University of Tartu, Institute of Anatomy, Estonia. ikolts@ut.ee
authors.forename: Ivo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kolts
authors.forename: Lüder C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Busch
authors.forename: Hannes
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tomusk
authors.forename: Agu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raudheiding
authors.forename: Aalo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eller
authors.forename: Mati
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merila
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Russlies
authors.forename: Mati
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pääsuke
authors.forename: Thorsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leibecke
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kühnel
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*