Joints and ligaments · Upper limb
Coracohumeral ligament !
The coracohumeral ligament runs from the shoulder blade's coracoid process to the humerus; it limits outward rotation and tightens in frozen shoulder.
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What it is
A band from the coracoid to the top of the humerus; it thickens and tightens in frozen shoulder.
What it does
Limits outward rotation with the arm at the side; it thickens and tightens in frozen shoulder.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Lateral coracoid base to the greater and lesser tubercles
- Function
- Limits external rotation and inferior translation; thickens in frozen shoulder
- Tight in
- Adduction + external rotation
Relations
- Medial
- Lateral border of the base of the coracoid process
- Above
- Coracoacromial ligament and the subacromial bursa
- Below
- Superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) and the long biceps tendon
- In front
- Front deltoid
- Behind
- Front edge of the supraspinatus tendon
How to find it
The ligament itself cannot be felt, but its origin can: press deeply at the outer end of the infraclavicular hollow, a little below the junction of the middle and lateral thirds of the clavicle, to find the coracoid. From there the ligament passes laterally over the top of the humeral head.
Examination
- Passive external rotation with the elbow at the side: a clear loss compared with the other side, with a normal X-ray, is typical of frozen shoulder with contracture of this ligament and the rotator interval
On imaging
On MRI or MR arthrography, a thickened coracohumeral ligament and rotator interval capsule, with the fat triangle under the coracoid filled in (subcoracoid fat obliteration), support frozen shoulder; ultrasound can compare its thickness with the other side.
Common problems
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): the capsule becomes inflamed, thick and tight, so the shoulder hurts and stiffens.
- Stretched or torn in a dislocation; a loose capsule lets the shoulder slip.
- Frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes and thyroid disease.
How it is diagnosed
Loss of both active and passive motion, especially outward rotation, with normal X-rays. MRI may show a thick capsule.
Treatment
- Gentle stretching, pain control and time: most frozen shoulders improve over months.
- Steroid injection or hydrodilatation in the painful phase.
- Arthroscopic capsular release or manipulation under anesthesia when stiffness persists.
Clinical notes
- Arthroscopic capsular release for a stiff shoulder divides the coracohumeral ligament and rotator interval to restore external rotation
- As part of the biceps pulley, a tear lets the long biceps tendon sublux medially, often with an upper subscapularis tear
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why is external rotation with the arm at the side lost first in frozen shoulder?
The coracohumeral ligament in the rotator interval contracts.
Which MRI finding supports frozen shoulder at the coracohumeral ligament?
A thickened coracohumeral ligament and rotator interval capsule with obliteration of the subcoracoid fat triangle.
Which procedure divides the coracohumeral ligament to restore external rotation?
Arthroscopic capsular release of the rotator interval for a stiff shoulder.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ligamentum coracohumerale TA2 1770
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Ligamento coracohumeral
- English (TA2)
- Coracohumeral ligament
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Glenohumeral Joint; Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Shoulder; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Surface Anatomy of the Upper Extremity (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
