Supraglenoid tubercle


The supraglenoid tubercle is a region of the scapula from which the long head of the biceps brachii muscle originates. 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.

Clinical relevance

Biceps tendonitis originates on the long head of the biceps brachii at the supraglenoid tubercle in 30% of cases. The 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. In cases of biceps tendinitis, steroids can be injected fluoroscopically at the supraglenoid tubercle to reduce pain associated with the pathology.

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