Right Sided Costocoracoid Ligament- A Case Report

Abstract

During routine dissection for first year medical students, we observed a thick fibrous band extending from first costal cartilage to the acromion process of scapula, along the inferior margin of subclavius muscle on right side. The fibrous band, identified as costocoracoid ligament, was very strong unyielding to even cuts/ pressure by forceps. The costocoracoid ligament had pulled acromion process forward so strongly that the acromion process was easily seen below the lateral end of clavicle, and 1.5 cm anterior to head of humerus. Left side was not showing any such variation. Presence of costocoracoid ligament may result in fixation of the scapula to the first rib, resulting in cosmetic deformity with rounding of the shoulders and loss of the anterior clavicular contour. Movements requiring rotation or retraction of the scapula may be limited. Congenitally short costocoracoid ligament condition shows autosomal dominant inheritance, can be surgically corrected. Ours is the first such report of costocoracoid ligament in cadaver, since it is seen only in right limb so suggesting acquired (probable traumatic) cause

Keywords

• clavipectoral fascia
• coracoclavicular ligament
• subclavian vein occlusion