The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic repair of each structure in the rotator interval lesions. 15 patients (12 male, 3 female) with rotator interval lesions were included in this study. In Group A, 9 patients were treated arthroscopically by rotator interval closure. Group B was consisted of 6 patients treated by arthroscopic repair of each structure in the rotator interval lesions: 2 repairs of superior glenohumeral ligament, 2 repairs of middle glenohumeral ligament and 2 of both. The clinical outcomes were assessed by means of JOA shoulder scoring system. The average JOA score was improved from 83.3 points to 97.5 points in Group A and from 74.0 points to 98.8 points in Group B. Postoperative results were not significantly different between 2 groups. 5 patients had limitation of external rotation at the side over 10 degrees, 3 in Group A and 2 in Group B. In 8 patients who participated in sports activity at the competitive level before being affected by rotator interval lesion, 7 could return to sports participation. In Group A, 2 had got to the same level as before injury and 2 had not. In Group B, 3 all could get a complete return. This study showed excellent clinical results of arthroscopic rotator interval repair equal to those of rotator interval closure for the patients with reparable structures in rotator interval lesions.
