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# Other shoulder bursae

The other shoulder bursae are small fluid sacs around the shoulder, such as the one under the subscapularis; they cut friction where tendons slide over bone.

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## What it is

Small sacs under the tendons around the shoulder.

## What it does

Reduce friction where tendons slide over bone.

## Key points

- The subscapular bursa lies between the subscapularis tendon and the scapular neck and usually opens into the joint between the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments (foramen of Weitbrecht)
- Because it opens into the joint, it fills with joint fluid and is a favourite hiding place for loose bodies
- The subcoracoid bursa lies in front of the subscapularis under the coracoid; it usually does not open into the joint and may join the [subacromial bursa](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/subacromial-subdeltoid-bursa/)

## Key facts

**Where**
Subscapular (opens into the joint), subcoracoid and coracobrachial bursae

**Function**
Reduce friction where tendons slide over bone

## Relations

**Superficial**
Subcutaneous acromial bursa: between the [skin](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/skin/) and the acromion

**In front**
Subcoracoid and coracobrachial bursae: under the coracoid and the conjoint tendon of [coracobrachialis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/coracobrachialis/) and the short head of biceps, in front of the [subscapularis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/subscapularis/)

**Deep**
Subscapular bursa: between the [subscapularis tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/subscapularis-tendon/), the scapular neck and the [shoulder capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/shoulder-joint-capsule/)

**Behind**
[Infraspinatus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/infraspinatus/) bursa: between the [infraspinatus tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/infraspinatus-tendon/) and the capsule

## How to find it

They cannot be felt. They are found on ultrasound or MRI, or at surgery when the subscapularis is reached through the deltopectoral interval.

## Examination

- Coracoid impingement test: pain over the coracoid with the arm flexed forward, adducted and turned inward suggests subcoracoid impingement

## On imaging

MRI or MR arthrography: the subscapular recess fills with joint fluid and is the commonest site of loose bodies; a fluid-filled subcoracoid bursa should not be mistaken for a subscapularis tear.

## Clinical notes

- Subcoracoid impingement: the subscapularis is pinched between the coracoid and the lesser tuberosity, causing anterior shoulder pain
- A narrow coracohumeral interval on imaging supports subcoracoid impingement

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which shoulder bursa usually opens into the glenohumeral joint, and where?

The subscapular bursa, between the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments (foramen of Weitbrecht).

## Why are loose bodies of the shoulder often found in the subscapular bursa?

Because it opens into the joint, it fills with joint fluid and is a favourite hiding place for loose bodies.

## What is subcoracoid impingement, and which test suggests it?

The subscapularis is pinched between the coracoid and the lesser tuberosity; pain over the coracoid with the arm flexed, adducted and turned inward (coracoid impingement test).

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
bursa subcutanea acromialis TA2 2556

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Bolsas sinoviales del hombro (subcutánea acromial, subtendinosas, coracobraquial)

**English (TA2)**
Other shoulder bursae

## Related

- [Clavicle](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/clavicle/)
- [Humerus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/humerus/)
- [Scapula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scapula/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Shoulder](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536933/); [Anatomy, Rotator Cuff](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441844/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/other-shoulder-bursae/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/other-shoulder-bursae/