title: Arthroscopic rotator interval closure: effect of sutures on glenohumeral motion and anterior-posterior translation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effect of arthroscopic rotator interval closure on glenohumeral motion and translation is not well understood, nor is the ideal location or number of sutures required for closure.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The number of arthroscopic rotator interval closure sutures and their placement will have a significant effect on glenohumeral range of motion and anterior-posterior translation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Controlled laboratory study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a custom testing apparatus, the authors measured range of motion in 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders; anterior-posterior translation in adduction and neutral rotation was measured in 9. Specimens were initially tested without sutures and then tested after 3 interval closures using a random sequence of (1) an isolated medial suture at the level of the glenoid, (2) an isolated lateral suture 1 cm lateral to the glenoid, or (3) both sutures followed by removal of all sutures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of variance demonstrated that interval closure had a significant effect on decreasing flexion (mean, 6 degrees), external rotation (mean, 10 degrees), and anterior translation (mean, 3 mm) of the adducted shoulder. There was no significant difference between the 3 interval closures in any of the tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Arthroscopic interval closure produced significant decreases in range of motion and anterior-posterior translation. The effects of single lateral or medial suture closures were similar to the use of 2 sutures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that the initial effect of arthroscopic rotator interval closure on anterior translation of the shoulder will be similar whether 1 or 2 sutures are used. In vivo studies are necessary to determine if the effect of these 2 methods would be the same over time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University for Joint Diseases, New York, NY 10003, USA.
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Plausinis
authors.forename: Jonathan T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Bravman
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heywood
authors.forename: Frederick J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Kummer
authors.forename: Young W
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Laith M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Jazrawi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques