The coracohumeral ligament bridges the rotator interval between the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons, spanning from the coracoid to both humeral tubercles. It is a primary restraint against inferior humeral translation and limits external rotation when the arm is at the side. The CHL is the primary structure tightened and contracted in adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), and its release during arthroscopic capsular surgery is essential for restoring external rotation.
| Origin | Lateral base of the coracoid process |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus, spanning the bicipital groove |
| Actions | Resists inferior glenohumeral translation; limits external rotation in the adducted position; spans the rotator interval |
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The coracohumeral ligament thickens and contracts in adhesive capsulitis, producing the characteristic limitation of external rotation with the arm at the side that is the first motion to be lost and last to recover. Targeted CHL injection can relieve adhesive capsulitis symptoms, and arthroscopic CHL release at the rotator interval significantly accelerates recovery of external rotation compared to posterior capsular release alone.
CHL and rotator interval contracture producing progressive external rotation limitation and shoulder stiffness managed with corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy, with arthroscopic release for refractory cases.
