Internal rotation contracture associated with osteoarthritic degeneration of the glenohumeral joint can severely restrict functional movement of the shoulder following arthroplasty unless it is adequately addressed and corrected. Many authors have found less than adequate results with lengthening of the subscapularis through medialization or z-plasty. This paper promotes the concept of sequential recognition and correction of the structures leading to an internal rotation contracture including external adhesions, osteophytes, capsular contracture and contracted internal rotation musculature and provides a rationale for sequentially correcting each of these culprits. The last structure to be addressed is the subscapularis itself. A safe technique for fractional lengthening of the subscapularis at its myotendinous junction as the last step in treating the internally rotated contracted shoulder while providing a healthy subscapularis tendon for repair of the musculotendinous rotator cuff.