The supraglenoid tubercle is a region of the scapula from which the long head of the biceps brachii muscle originates.[1][2] It is a small, rough projection superior to the glenoid cavity near the base of the coracoid process. The term supraglenoid is from the Latin supra, meaning above, and glenoid, meaning socket or cavity.[3]
Supraglenoid tubercle | |
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Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | tuberculum supraglenoidale |
TA98 | A02.4.01.020 |
TA2 | 1163 |
FMA | 23263 |
Anatomical terms of bone [edit on Wikidata] |
Biceps tendonitis originates on the long head of the biceps brachii at the supraglenoid tubercle in 30% of cases. The main symptom is generally anterior biceps instability, but the disease can also be characterized by chronic anterior shoulder pain which radiates towards the lateral part of the elbow.[4] In cases of biceps tendinitis, steroids can be injected fluoroscopically at the supraglenoid tubercle to reduce pain associated with the pathology.[5]
The supraglenoid tubercle ossifies separately from the rest of the scapula, so may not be as strong as the rest of the bone. It can be pulled off (avulsed),[6] often after an excessively strong contraction of the biceps brachii.[7] This may also cause a fracture of the surrounding parts of the scapula, particularly the glenoid cavity.[8] This may also occur in horses.[9] This type of bone fracture is quite rare.[10]
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 205 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)