Overview
The transverse humeral ligament is described as a band crossing the bicipital groove near the front of the upper humerus. The long-head biceps tendon travels through this groove.
Location
It spans between the greater and lesser tubercles over the biceps tendon sheath.
Function
Traditional descriptions credit it with holding the long-head biceps tendon in the groove. Modern anatomical work suggests that the surrounding pulley system—including fibres from subscapularis, supraspinatus and the coracohumeral ligament—may be more important than a single discrete ligament.
Common Injuries
Pain or instability in this area more often involves the biceps tendon and its pulley than an isolated transverse humeral ligament injury.
Clinical Relevance
Ultrasound can assess the biceps tendon dynamically. Tenderness at the groove alone cannot determine which structure is responsible for pain.
Related Anatomy
Related Injuries
References
- Gleason PD, Beall DP, Sanders TG, et al. The transverse humeral ligament: a separate anatomical structure or a continuation of the osseous attachment of the rotator cuff? Am J Sports Med. 2006;34(1):72-77.
- Standring S, ed. Gray's Anatomy. 42nd ed. Elsevier; 2020.