The Relation of the Coracoid Process to the Glenoid: An Anatomic Study

Purpose: Our purpose was to define the spatial relation of the coracoid process to the glenoid cavity. Methods: By use of 20 cadaveric shoulders, the location of the tip of the coracoid process was assessed based on the clock face of the glenoid. Results: In all shoulders the tip of the coracoid process was between 1:24 and 2:18 o'clock, with a mean of 1:47 +/- 0:15 o'clock. The distance of the coracoid process tip to the nearest portion of the glenoid labrum was 21.5 +/- 3.6 mm. Conclusions: Our analysis localizes the coracoid, on average, to the 1:47-o'clock position of the glenoid and 21.5 mm from the nearest portion of the labrum. This anatomic relation may aid the shoulder arthroscopist in locating the coracoid tip during coracoplasty. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of the relation of the coracoid to the glenoid provides the shoulder arthroscopist with essential information regarding the location of the coracoid tip during coracoplasty.