Subscapular Bursa

Description

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.

Subscapular recess (A) versus subcoracoid bursa (B). The subescapular recess communicates with the glenohumeral joint (short arrow). The subcoracoid bursa is located anteriorly to the subscapular tendon and inferiorly to the coracoid process, but does not communicate with the joint cavity. Coracoid process (arrow- heads).

Bursa aorund the shoulder joint: 1. subacromial-subdeltoid bursa 2. Subscapularis bursa 3. Sucoracoid bursa 4. Coracoclavicular bursa 5. Supra-acromial bursa.

Names

• Subscapular Bursa
• Subscapularis Recess
• Superior Subscapularis Recess
• Subtendinous Bursa of Subscapularis Muscle
• Bursa Subtendinea Musculi Subscapularis

Gross Anatomy

• Closed sac of synovoial fluid which sits on the lateral aspect of the scapula
• Normal extension of the glenohumeral joint capsule
  • Opening is situated on the anterior aspect of the joint, just inferior to the coracoid process
• Located between the superior glenohumeral ligament and middle glenohumeral ligament

MRI Findings

• When distended with fluid, may appear saddlebag like by hanging over the subscapularis tendon
• Best seen on sagittal oblique sequences

Function

• Permits friction free movement between tendon of subscapularis, coracoid process and scapular neck

---

Clinical Significance

• Subscapularis Bursitis
• Scapular Dyskinesis

---

See Also

• Physical Exam Shoulder
• Shoulder Anatomy (Main)
• Shoulder Pain (Main)
• Bursae Anatomy Main

---