Anatomy of the coracoacromial veil.

Overview

The coracoacromial (CA) ligament plays an important role in the stability of the shoulder joint by limiting superior translation of the glenohumeral joint. This ligament is further divided into anterolateral and posteromedial bands. Attached to the CA ligament, a supportive structure was noted in some previous studies. The purpose of this study was to learn more about the anatomy of this structure. Twenty-eight shoulders were obtained. Deltoid and trapezius muscles were removed without damaging the rotator cuff and coracoacromial arch. The CA ligament was dissected further to reveal two constituent bands, an anterolateral and a posteromedial band. A connective tissue structure was noted between the posteromedial band, CA ligament, and rotator interval capsule. This structure was oriented as an L-shaped curtain, which the authors termed the "coracoacromial veil." Anatomical position of this veil provides a stabilizing link between the CA ligament and the rotator interval capsule. This structure potentially limits inferior translation of the glenohumeral joint.