The anatomy of the region between the supraspinatus and subscapular's tendo
ns, called the rotator interval, was studied in 22 shoulders of 12 cadavers
. Its function was then examined by sequential cutting of tendon or rotator
interval structures. The rotator interval was found to be composed of part
s of the supraspinatus, subscapular's, coracohumeral ligament, superior gle
nohumeral ligament, and glenohumeral joint capsule. A medial part composed
of 2 layers was defined and distinguished from a more lateral part composed
of 4 layers. The most superior 3 layers of the lateral part formed a fibro
us plate. The medial part was found to primarily limit inferior translation
and, to a lesser extent, external rotation. The fibrous plate of the later
al part of the rotator interval mainly limited external rotation of the add
ucted arm. The coracohumeral ligament played a key role in external rotatio
n as well as in inferior translation.