[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) › Coracohumeral ligament [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) # Coracohumeral ligament The coracohumeral ligament runs from the shoulder blade's coracoid process to the [humerus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/humerus/); it limits outward rotation and tightens in frozen shoulder. [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=upper_limb&select=coracohumeral_lig&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## 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 points - Lies in the rotator interval superficial to the SGHL; its contracture in frozen shoulder explains why external rotation with the arm at the side is lost first and most - Its two bands bridge the bicipital groove, blend with the [supraspinatus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/supraspinatus/) and [subscapularis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/subscapularis/) tendons and form the roof of the biceps pulley ## 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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/coracoacromial-ligament/) and the [subacromial bursa](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/subacromial-subdeltoid-bursa/) **Below** [Superior glenohumeral ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-glenohumeral-ligament/) (SGHL) and the [long biceps tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-the-long-head-of-biceps/) **In front** [Front deltoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deltoid-anterior-part/) **Behind** Front edge of the [supraspinatus tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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 - [Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/frozen-shoulder/) ## 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. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/coracohumeral-ligament/) 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 - [SGHL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-glenohumeral-ligament/) - [Shoulder capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/shoulder-joint-capsule/) - [Humerus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/humerus/) - [Scapula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scapula/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Glenohumeral Joint](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537018/); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Shoulder](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536933/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Surface Anatomy of the Upper Extremity (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain. ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/coracohumeral-ligament/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/coracohumeral-ligament/