Subcoracoid Bursa

The subcoracoid bursa is located anterior to the subscapularis muscle and deep and inferior to the coracoid process and does not communicate with the glenohumeral joint. The subcoracoid bursa does communicate with the subacromial bursa in about 10% of cases, although rates as high as 55% have been reported.

The subcoracoid bursa can be differentiated from the adjacent superior subscapularis recess based on the saddlebag appearance of the latter over the subscapularis muscle. In addition, the superior subscapularis recess communicates with the glenohumeral joint (best seen on oblique sagittal MR images).

Effusions of the subcoracoid bursa are associated with tears of the anterior rotator cuff and tears of the rotator interval.

References

Grainger AJ, Tirman PF, Elliott JM, Kingzett-Taylor A, Steinbach LS, Genant HK. MR anatomy of the subcoracoid bursa and the association of subcoracoid effusion with tears of the anterior rotator cuff and the rotator interval. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2000 May;174(5):1377-80.