A Posterior View Of The Greater Tubercle Of The Humerus

Description

Rotating into a posterior view of the proximal humerus, the animation centers on the greater tubercle (tuberculum majus) lateral to the humeral head and just distal to the anatomic neck, with the intertubercular sulcus (bicipital groove) tracking anteriorly between the greater and lesser tubercles. As the bone turns, the posterior facet comes into profile, positioned posterolateral to the articular surface and superior to the surgical neck. Subtle changes in contour help separate the superior, middle, and inferior impressions on the tubercle where the rotator cuff footprints cluster near the proximal margin. For shoulder clinicians, the posterior greater tubercle is a practical landmark for understanding rotator cuff insertion and the osseous constraints that shape subacromial clearance during abduction and external rotation. Supraspinatus inserts on the superior facet, infraspinatus on the middle facet, and teres minor on the inferior facet, a relationship that frames common tear patterns and guides anchor placement during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Motion makes the spatial logic stick. Seeing the tubercle swing from lateral toward posterolateral also clarifies how a minimally displaced greater tuberosity fracture can still impinge under the acromion or alter external rotation strength by changing tendon moment arms. Use this sequence in gross anatomy and orthopaedic anatomy teaching to orient students to proximal humeral landmarks, or in sports medicine and radiology materials that correlate physical exam findings with bony anatomy on axial CT and oblique sagittal MRI. It also supports patient education for posterior shoulder pain, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and greater tuberosity fractures by keeping the discussion anchored to an unambiguous posterior bony reference. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.