Corpus: Coracohumeral ligament
Definition
The coracohumeral ligament, abbreviated CHL, is a band connecting the coracoid process of the scapula to the humerus. It serves to stabilize the shoulder joint.
Course
The coracohumeral ligament consists of two parts:
- anterior part: from the lateral edge of the base of the coracoid process to the lesser tubercle of the humerus
- posterior part: from the greater tubercle to the coracoacromial ligament
It is cranially and ventrally fused with the joint capsule and runs between the supraspinatus muscle and the subscapularis muscle (muscles of the rotator cuff).
However, the literature sometimes provides contradictory information: the coracohumeral ligament is said to not insert into the lesser and greater tubercles but instead radiate into the ligamentum semicirculare humeri (rotator cuff cable).
Function
The coracohumeral ligament serves to stabilize and guide the shoulder joint and secures the position of the long biceps tendon in the intertubercular groove. It prevents the sinking of the humeral head with the arm hanging down and limits flexion and adduction.