intertubercular

The intertubercular groove, also known as the bicipital groove, is a shallow channel on the proximal humerus that lies between the greater tubercle laterally and the lesser tubercle medially. It runs obliquely downward and forward toward the humeral shaft and serves as a canal for the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii as it travels from the shoulder joint to its distal attachments.

The groove is bounded by prominent crests: the lateral lip, formed by the crest of the greater tubercle, and the medial lip, formed by the crest of the lesser tubercle. The space is bridged at the proximal end by the transverse humeral ligament, which helps hold the tendon within the canal and converts the groove into a protective tunnel. The floor of the canal is formed by the humeral shaft itself and surrounding fibrous tissue. The tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii, together with its synovial sheath, passes through this canal during shoulder movement. The pectoralis major tendon typically inserts at the lateral lip of the groove, while the teres major and latissimus dorsi tendons have attachments near the medial aspect of the groove.

Clinical relevance includes its role as a landmark in shoulder surgery and radiography, and its involvement in conditions such as bicipital tendinitis or tenosynovitis, transverse ligament pathology, and proximal humeral fractures that may disrupt the groove. Variations in depth and width are common among individuals, which can influence tendon stability within the canal.