Clinical anatomy of the coracoid process of scapula (literature review)

Background. The coracoid process is often one of the key objects during surgical interventions, which, given the fairly pronounced variability of the shape and size of the process, requires a thorough morphological study of this anatomical structure. Objective. Generalization and analysis of the information available in the literature on the structure, topography and range of individual anatomical variability of the coracoid process of the scapula in the applied aspect. Material and methods. Literature search and analysis in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, SpringerLink, eLibrary, and CyberLeninka databases, information networks, and libraries was conducted using the following methodology for selecting papers for review; the original version was taken from Prisma: identification -> screening -> included. Results. Despite the fact that the coracoid process in humans is a rudimentary formation, it has great functional significance due to its topography and the fact that muscles and ligaments are attached to it: the pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, short head of the biceps brachii, as well as the coracobrachial, coracoacromial, coraco-clavicular ligaments and the superior transverse ligament of the scapula. The complexity of the topography of the coracoid process is also due to the fact that the axillary vascular-nerve bundle passes near it on the medial side. The possibility of palpation of the topography of the apex of the coracoid process allows it to be used as an anatomical landmark during surgical manipulations in this area, which served as the basis for the appearance of the figurative name of the coracoid process «The Lighthouse of the Shoulder». Conclusion. Due to the significant functional load, structural features and topography, the coracoid process is one of the factors in the development of pain syndrome in the shoulder joint and the formation of a number of pathological conditions, the most common of which is damage to the rotator cuff and impingement syndrome.