intertubercularis

Intertubercularis, also known as the sulcus intertubercularis or the bicipital groove, is a shallow groove on the proximal humerus. It lies on the anterior aspect of the upper arm between the greater tubercle laterally and the lesser tubercle medially. The groove provides the pathway for the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii as it travels from the shoulder joint into the arm.

Anatomy and contents: The intertubercular groove is bounded by the lips of the two tubercles and is bridged by the transverse humeral ligament, which helps create a canal that guides the biceps tendon. Within the groove, the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii runs together with its synovial sheath, and the bicipital aponeurosis extends distally from the tendon. Nearby vascular structures, such as branches of the anterior humeral circumflex artery, lie in the region surrounding the groove.

Clinical significance: The intertubercular groove is an important anatomical landmark in shoulder and proximal humerus anatomy and surgery. Pathologies affecting this area include bicipital tendinopathy and tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps. The tendon can sublux or dislocate from the groove if the pulley system formed by the groove and the transverse ligament is disrupted. Proximal humeral fractures involving the tubercles can also affect the groove’s contents and function. Treatments for biceps tendon pathology range from tenotomy to tenodesis, depending on clinical context.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin, with intertubercularis referring to the space between the tubercles of the humerus.