Coracohumeral Bursa

bursa coracohumeralis

The coracohumeral bursa is a small bursa located between the coracohumeral ligament and the upper surface of the subscapularis tendon within the rotator interval. It facilitates the gliding of the subscapularis tendon and the long head of the biceps pulley mechanism beneath the coracoid tip and coracohumeral ligament during shoulder rotation.

Region: Shoulder

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The coracohumeral bursa and rotator interval are structures implicated in adhesive capsulitis, where fibroproliferative changes in the rotator interval and coracohumeral ligament restrict external rotation. Arthroscopic release of the rotator interval, including the coracohumeral ligament and coracohumeral bursa, restores external rotation in frozen shoulder that is refractory to conservative management. The bursa is visualised from the posterior arthroscopic portal looking toward the anterior rotator interval.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Rotator Interval Contracture

Fibrosis of the coracohumeral bursa and adjacent rotator interval structures in adhesive capsulitis specifically limits external rotation in adduction, the hallmark physical finding of early frozen shoulder, addressed by arthroscopic rotator interval release when conservative treatment is insufficient.