Measurement of rotator interval dimension using MRI and its significance in management of cases of shoulder instability

Volume 8 | Issue 1 | Jan – Feb 2020 | Page: 18-21  | Gaurav Sen, Lokesh M Gowda, Vinay Kumaraswamy

Authors: Gaurav Sen [1], Lokesh M Gowda [2], Vinay Kumaraswamy [3].

[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Banglore, Karnataka, India.
[2] Department of Orthopaedics, Kampegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
[3] Department of Orthopaedics, Bangalore Medica; College & Research Institute, Bangalore, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Gaurav Sen,
Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Banglore, Karnataka, India.
Email:

Abstract

The rotator interval structures, including the biceps tendon, SGHL, and coracohumeral ligament, play an important role in static and dynamic glenohumeral stability in conjunction with the MGHL [12].
The importance of rotator interval in pathogenesis of shoulder instability is increasingly being studied and appreciated. Rotator interval enlargement is being increasingly recognized as a independent pathology in addition to the primary pathology of labral tear in cases of shoulder instability. Closure of the rotator interval is one of the treatment options in treatment of recurrent dislocation shoulder to improve the results of arthroscopic shoulder instability surgeries. However, the methods of assessment of rotator interval are only subjective and done intra-operatively only. There are no objective methods of measurement of rotator interval and very few can be done pre operatively. We report our experience of measurement of rotator interval dimensions using MRI in cases of shoulder instability and its comparison with relatively normal shoulder MRI. There have been similar studies using MR arthrography. Our intention was to determine whether rotator interval dimension is significantly more in cases of shoulder instability and weather it can be done with routine MRI and how does it correlate with other studies done using MR arthrography.
Key words: Coracohumeral ligament, rotator.

References

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14) Massoud SN, Pearse EO, Levy O, Copeland SA. Operative management of the frozen shoulder in patients with diabetes. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2002;11:609-613.
15) Mengiardi B, Pfirrmann CW, Gerber C, Hodler J, Zanetti M. Frozen shoulder: MR arthrographic findings. Radiology 2004; 233:486-492.
16) Kim KC, Rhee KJ, Shin HD. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Dimensions of the rotator interval measured with magnetic resonance arthrography. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2009; 18:437-442.
17) Field LD, Warren RF, O’Brien SJ, Altchek DW, Wickiewicz TL. Isolated closure of rotator interval defects for shoulder instability. Am J Sports Med 1995;23:557-563.
18) Fitzpatrick MJ, Powell SE, Tibone JE, Warren RF. The anatomy, pathology, and definitive treatment of rotator in- terval lesions: Current concepts. Arthroscopy 2003;19: 70-79 (Suppl 1).

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