Roof Of Subacromial Space

The space directly beneath the acromion and directly above the shoulder joint is called the subacromial space and packed into that space are a group of important structures.

Roof of subacromial space.

Subacromial space is defined by the humeral head inferiorly the anterior edge and under surface of the anterior third of the acromion coracoacromial ligament and the acromioclav icular joint superiorly. The increased volume of the subdeltoid bursa is the key step in developing the panorama view of the subacromial space because it places the viewing point of the arthroscope at a relatively more superolateral position with reference to the greater tuberosity of the humerus figs 9 and and10. The subacromial joint space. This corresponds to laumann s middle zone of the subacromial space12.

The acromion and the processus coracoideus form the osseous portions of the subacromial joint space. Osseous structures of the subacromial joint space. 2 the subacromial bursa. Soft tissues such as the bicep tendon rotator cuff and bursa are located in the subacromial space.

The acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery provides the blood supply to the major structures identified in the anterior wall of the subacromial space 15. 3 the rotator cuff. 10 the superolateralization of the viewing point. 1 the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle.

The height of space between acromion and humeral head ranges from 1 0 to 1 5 centimeters as seen on radiographs. The anterior wall of the subacromial space is formed by the coracoacromial ligament anterior border of the acromion deltoid muscle and synovial tissue. This acromial branch 2 4 to 2 6 mm in diameter supplies the coracoacromial ligament. This is the space delimited above by the coracoacromial arc anterior inferior margin of the acromion coracoacromial ligament apex and distal third of the posterior surface of the coracoid and below by the humeral head by the tendons of the rotator cuff and of the long head of the biceps fig.

The subacromial joint space between the humeral head and the acromion is associated with a high functional and clinical significance for the shoulder joint. Expansion of subdeltoid bursal volume. The subacro mial space is roofed by the acromion the acromioclavicular joint the extreme distal por tion of the clavicle the coracoacromial ligament and anteriorly the coracoid process itself.