Subcoracoid bursa

Subcoracoid bursa
Diagram of normal bursae surrounding the shoulder joint: (1) subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, (2) subscapular recess, (3) subcoracoid bursa, (4) coracoclavicular bursa, (5) supra-acromial bursa and (6) medial extension of subacromial-subdeltoid bursa.
Details
Latin	Bursa subcoracoidea
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The subcoracoid bursa or (subcoracoid bursa of Collas) is a synovial bursa located in the shoulder.

It is located anterior to the subscapularis muscle and inferior to the coracoid process. Its function is to reduce friction between the coracobrachialis, subscapularis and short head of the biceps tendons, thus facilitating internal and external rotation of the shoulder. The subcoracoid bursa does not communicate with the glenohumeral joint under normal circumstances, but may communicate with the subacromial bursa.^[1] As such, contrast fluid injected into the glenohumeral joint during an arthrogram that extends into the subcoracoid bursa is abnormal, and indirectly implies a full thickness rotator cuff tear.^[2]

References

1. Arend CF. Ultrasound of the Shoulder. Master Medical Books, 2013 ShoulderUS.com
2. Horowitz TM, Tocantins LM (1938). "An anatomical study of the role of the long thoracic nerve and the related scapular bursae in the pathogenesis of local paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle.". Anat Ret (71): 375–386.