Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

05:25
Knotless Independent Double-Row Repair and Biceps Augmentation for Anterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: January 23, 2026
An anatomic study of the coracoid process as it relates to bone transfer procedures
Christopher M Dolan1, Sanaz Hariri, Nathan D Hart
1Department of Orthopaedics and Division of Sports Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|November 26, 2010
Summary
This study defines the coracoid
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Recurrent anterior shoulder instability often requires bony reconstruction.
- Coracoid transfer procedures are used, but coracoid anatomy is not well-defined.
- Understanding coracoid anatomy is crucial for surgical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe coracoid soft tissue attachments in relation to bony anatomy.
- To define the average bone available for coracoid transfer.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of ten fresh frozen shoulder specimens.
- Measurement of coracoid bony dimensions.
- Mapping of soft tissue attachment footprints on the coracoid.
Main Results:
- Mean coracoid length for transfer: 28.5 mm.
- Specific distances from coracoid tip to pectoralis minor and coracoacromial ligament attachments provided.
- Detailed measurements of soft tissue footprints are available.
Conclusions:
- Provides average dimensions of the bony coracoid and its soft tissue footprints.
- Enables surgeons to correlate osteotomy location with soft tissue implications.
- Aids in understanding anatomical manipulation during coracoid transfer procedures.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Muscles of the Shoulder
The muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle, including the clavicle and scapula, primarily stabilize the scapula. This stable base allows other muscles to move the humerus effectively. Scapular movements often mirror those of the humerus and extend its range of motion. For instance, raising the arm above the head would not be feasible without simultaneous upward rotation of the scapula.
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Gross Anatomy of Bone
The two main features of a long bone are the diaphysis and the epiphysis.
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in adults, it...
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ends of the bone. The walls of the diaphysis are composed of dense and hard compact bone made of numerous osteons — the functional unit of the compact bone. The hollow region in the diaphysis is called the medullary cavity, which harbors the bone marrow. In infants and children, this marrow cavity is filled with red marrow, whereas in adults, it...
Muscles that Move the Arm
Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
