- Anatomy:
- coracoid process can be palpated thru anterior deltoid muscle one to two finger breadths below outer portion of clavicle;
- one finger breadth lateral to coracoid is the
GHJ;
- provides a palpable guide to deltopectoral groove;
- serves as an anchor for coracoid muscles (
coracobrachialis & short head of
biceps) that separate
lateral safe side from medial side where
brachial plexus and vessels lie;
- clavipectoral fascia covers the floor of deltopectoral groove and is identified by rotating humerus;
- this allows subscapularis to be identified beneath fascial layer;
- Role of CA Ligament:
- upto 15 mm of motion may occur between the acromion and the coracoid, when subjected to a 30 kg distractive force;
Coracoid process transfer for acromioclavicular dislocations. A report of 20 cases.
The role of the coracoid process in the chronic impingement syndrome.
Gerber, C., Terrier, F., and Ganz, R.:
J. Bone Joint Surg. 67B:703, 1985.
Surgery about the coracoid: neurovascular structures at risk
