Coracohumeral Ligament, Anterior View

Description

Arising from the lateral border and base of the coracoid process, the coracohumeral ligament spans inferolaterally across the rotator interval to reach the anterior aspect of the greater tubercle of the humerus, blending superiorly with the fibrous capsule of the glenohumeral joint. An anterior right-shoulder orientation places the clavicle and acromion superiorly, the humeral head lateral to the glenoid cavity, and the proximal humeral shaft descending inferiorly. The coracoid process projects anterolaterally from the scapula, sitting anterior to the glenoid and deep to the deltoid contour. Upper ribs form the thoracic backdrop medial to the scapular neck. Functionally, this ligament works with the superior glenohumeral ligament and the tendon of the long head of biceps to restrain inferior translation of the humeral head and limit excessive external rotation when the arm is adducted. Adhesive capsulitis commonly involves thickening and contracture in the coracohumeral ligament and rotator interval, a pattern that helps explain the early, painful loss of external rotation at the side. During arthroscopy, the ligament is a consistent landmark in the rotator interval, sitting anterior to the bicipital groove and adjacent to the intra-articular biceps as it exits toward the intertubercular sulcus. Small structure, big consequences. Use this image when teaching shoulder stability in gross anatomy or kinesiology, or when illustrating the rotator interval for orthopedic texts covering frozen shoulder, biceps pulley lesions, and interval release techniques. It also supports clear labeling for patient-facing education on capsular tightness and restricted range of motion after immobilization. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.