Anatomy and function of the subdeltoid bursa

An anatomical study was undertaken on 40 non-embalmed normal cadaver should ers to determine the attachments, boundaries and macroscopic nerve supply o f the subdeltoid bursa. Two areas of attachment were observed, one (proxima l and superficial) along the free border of the coracoacromial ligament and adjacent deep surface of deltoid, the other (distal and deep) to the humer us distal to the supraspinatus tendon: there were no posterior or anterior attachments. In addition, two blind pouches were observed, one proximal und er the coracoacromial ligament and the other beyond the distal attachment. The continuity observed between the lateral border of the coracoacromial li gament and the subdeltoid bursa provides a smooth surface, thereby casting doubt on the aggressive action of the ligament on the rotator cuff.