Coracohumeral Ligament, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the lateral border and base of the coracoid process, the coracohumeral ligament forms a broad, thickened band coursing inferolaterally toward the proximal humerus. From an anterior shoulder perspective, it lies superior to the glenohumeral joint capsule and drapes across the rotator interval, spanning between the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons near the bicipital (intertubercular) groove. The humeral head sits lateral to the glenoid cavity, with the acromion projecting superiorly and portions of the rib cage visible posterior to the scapular body. Orientation is clear. Clinically, this is the restraint you think about when external rotation is painfully limited in adhesive capsulitis, where coracohumeral ligament thickening and contracture narrow the rotator interval and contribute to the classic global stiffness pattern. Its relationship to the long head of the biceps tendon and the superior capsule also makes it a key landmark in arthroscopy, where interval releases are performed to restore motion while respecting the neighboring supraspinatus and subscapularis insertions. For teaching, the anterior view clarifies how a ligament originating on the coracoid can influence both glenohumeral mechanics and biceps tendon stability. Use this plate in gross anatomy and kinesiology modules on the shoulder, in orthopedic lecture slides covering rotator interval anatomy, and in surgical education materials describing arthroscopic capsular release or interval debridement. It also fits well in medical publishing discussions of frozen shoulder and anterior shoulder pain differentials that involve the long head of biceps and superior capsuloligamentous complex. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.