The rotator interval is a triangular space in the anterior shoulder between the anterior edge of supraspinatus and the superior edge of subscapularis, roofed by the coracohumeral ligament and superior glenohumeral ligament. It contains the long head of biceps and communicates with the glenohumeral joint.
| Location | Front and top of the shoulder, the triangular gap in the rotator cuff between supraspinatus and subscapularis |
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Lets the cuff tendons shift during rotation and holds the biceps pulley that keeps the long head of biceps in its groove. Its capsule limits external rotation and inferior translation, and it thickens and scars in frozen shoulder.
The rotator interval is closed or open arthroscopically to address inferior glenohumeral instability (interval closure) or adhesive capsulitis (interval release). Rotator interval tears produce characteristic MRI findings. The interval is the surgical approach for anterior shoulder arthroscopy and biceps tenodesis. In SLAP tears, the interval tissue quality determines repair feasibility.
Disruption of the coracohumeral and superior glenohumeral ligaments in the rotator interval producing anterior-inferior shoulder instability and a positive sulcus sign, managed by arthroscopic interval closure.
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