Espiral AtlasIntertubercular sulcus
sulcus intertubercularis
Study entry
Description
Groove between the greater and lesser tubercles; the transverse humeral ligament turns it into a canal.
Relations
Passage of the tendon of the long head of the biceps; the pectoralis major inserts on the lateral lip, the teres major on the medial lip and the latissimus dorsi on the floor.
Source: cap. 3, «Huesos del miembro superior: húmero»
Clinical correlation
Tendinitis and tendinosis of the biceps brachii
The tendon of the long head, wrapped in a synovial sheath, glides back and forth in the intertubercular sulcus, and wear causes shoulder pain. In tendinitis there are microtears under load and inflammation; in tendinosis, the collagen degenerates without inflammation, from poor blood supply, overuse and age. It is common in throwing and racket sports. A tight, narrow or rough groove irritates the tendon and causes tenderness on palpation and crepitus.
Displacement of the tendon of the long head of the biceps
The tendon may come out, partly or entirely, of the intertubercular sulcus. It hurts. In the young it occurs in traumatic separation of the proximal epiphysis of the humerus; in the older, in those who have already had biceps tendinitis. A snap or a catching is felt on rotating the arm.
Related clinical cases
- Tendinitis and tendinosis of the biceps brachii
- Displacement of the tendon of the long head of the biceps