Greater tubercle of the humerus

Study entry

Description

Prominence on the lateral border of the proximal end of the humerus; the most lateral bony point of the shoulder.

Relations

Insertion of the supraspinatus, the infraspinatus and the teres minor, on the superior, middle and inferior facets.

Palpation

Palpable through the deltoid, below the lateral border of the acromion, with the arm hanging.

Source: cap. 3, «Huesos del miembro superior: húmero»

Clinical correlation

Fractures of the humerus

At the proximal end, most are of the surgical neck, typical of the elderly person with osteoporosis after a light fall on the hand; often one fragment is driven into the other (impacted fracture) and the arm still moves with little pain. The greater tubercle may be torn off (avulsion), generally with dislocation of the shoulder; the subscapularis, which stays attached, rotates the arm medially. In the shaft, a direct blow or a twist causes varied fractures: in a transverse one, the deltoid pulls the proximal fragment outward; a fall on the hand may cause a spiral fracture, and the oblique ends overlap and shorten the arm.

Related clinical cases

• Fractures of the humerus

Other structures in this region

• Conoid tubercle
• Trapezoid line
• Scapular notch
• Glenoid cavity
• Supraglenoid tubercle
• Infraglenoid tubercle
• Subscapular fossa
• Supraspinous fossa