Transverse humeral ligament

Last revised by Paulo A Noronha on 29 Jun 2022

The transverse humeral ligament (also known as the Brodie ligament) is a small broad ligament that extends between the lesser and greater tubercles of the humerus superior to the epiphyseal line. It encloses the tendon of the long head of biceps brachii and its sheath in the bicipital groove, forming a tunnel thus preventing it from subluxing out of the groove during shoulder movement. Some authors argue that the transverse humeral ligament is not a true ligament or separate anatomical structure, but rather an extension of the rotator cuff, namely fibers of the subscapularis tendon which cross over the lesser tubercle and insert on the medial surface of the greater tubercle 4-6. This explains why tearing of the subscapularis tendon may allow the long head of biceps tendon to sublux medially.

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