[Purpose] We have been performing repair for the rotator interval (RI) lesion since 1970. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of RI repair for atthetes.
[Material and Methods] 152 shoulders of 147 patients underwent RI repair from 1973 to 1996. They consisted of 112 males and 35 females. Their age ranged from 14 to 47 years old (mean 21.5 years old)at time of surgery. The body spica cast was applied in the Zero position for about 2 weeks postoperatively. Intensive exercises were started after removal of the cast. Their sports activities after surgery were assessed and the factors influencing the results were evaluated.
[Results] 145 athletes were able to return to their original sports but 21 of them had some difficulties because of pain or muscle weakness.7 patients could not participate in any sports. They included cases of loose shoulder, reinjuries and athletes who complained of pain due to overuse.
[Conclusion] 95% of them could return to their original sports activity. The prin cipal factor influencing the surgical outcome was the degree of preoperative shoulder instability.
