Overview

The coracoacromial ligament is a broad band running between two parts of the shoulder blade: the coracoid process and the acromion. Together with these bones, it forms the coracoacromial arch above the humeral head.

Location

It sits across the top-front of the shoulder. The supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa pass below the arch.

Attachments and Structure

The ligament extends from the lateral border of the coracoid process to the underside and tip of the acromion. Its shape and thickness vary between people.

Function

The arch helps limit excessive upward movement of the humeral head and protects structures beneath it. Shoulder pain in this area is not always caused by a simple mechanical “pinch”; tendon sensitivity, loading and movement all matter.

Common Injuries

The ligament itself is rarely injured in isolation. It is more often discussed in relation to subacromial pain, rotator cuff disease and surgery around the acromion.

Clinical Relevance

Removing or releasing this ligament can affect superior shoulder stability, particularly when the rotator cuff is deficient. Its appearance on a scan cannot identify the source of pain by itself.

References

Standring S, ed. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed. Elsevier; 2020.
Bigliani LU, Morrison DS, April EW. The morphology of the acromion and its relationship to rotator cuff tears. Orthop Trans. 1986;10:228.

Coracoacromial Ligament