Lesser Tubercle Of The Humerus, Anterior View

Description

Lesser tubercle of the humerus projects anteriorly and medially from the proximal epiphysis, sitting just distal to the humeral head and medial to the greater tubercle. From this fixed anterior viewpoint, the prominence forms the medial wall of the intertubercular sulcus (bicipital groove), while the adjacent crests of the greater and lesser tubercles define the groove margins as they run inferiorly toward the shaft. The anatomical neck borders the articular surface superiorly, and the transition toward the surgical neck is appreciable inferior to the tubercles. A compact landmark. Subscapularis inserts on the lesser tubercle, so the contour and footprint matter in rotator cuff teaching and in operative planning for anterior shoulder pathology. Avulsion fractures of the lesser tuberosity, seen in younger patients after forced external rotation or in association with posterior shoulder dislocation, are diagnosed and discussed in relation to this exact prominence and its medial position relative to the bicipital groove. Because the long head of the biceps tendon lies within the intertubercular sulcus, the tight spatial relationship between the groove and the lesser tubercle helps explain biceps instability when the transverse humeral ligament and surrounding cuff fibers fail, and it guides tenodesis discussions in sports medicine and arthroscopy reports. Orthopedic anatomy courses and upper limb osteology labs often need a single, unambiguous anterior view to teach side determination of an isolated humerus and to distinguish the lesser tubercle from the greater tubercle during practical exams. Medical publishers can also place this illustration alongside sections on proximal humerus fractures, shoulder arthroplasty exposure (deltopectoral approach), and subscapularis repair techniques where the lesser tuberosity serves as the anterior bony reference. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.