Greater wing

Greater Tuberosity

The Greater Tuberosity is a prominent area of bone located on the humerus, the long bone of the upper arm or forelimb forming joints at the shoulder and the elbow. It is one of the four major tuberosities found on the humerus, the others being the lesser tuberosity, the deltoid tuberosity, and the radial tuberosity.

Anatomy

The greater tuberosity is situated lateral to the head of the humerus, which is the ball part of the ball-and-socket shoulder joint. It is the site of attachment for the rotator cuff muscles, specifically the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles. These muscles are responsible for the rotation and stability of the shoulder joint.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and the forces exerted on it, the greater tuberosity is susceptible to fractures, often as a result of a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the shoulder. Such fractures can lead to shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness in the arm. Treatment may involve physical therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery.

See Also

• Humerus
• Rotator cuff
• Shoulder joint
• Fracture