8. Coracobrachialis

Origin: Coracoid process of the scapula

Insertion: Midshaft of the anterior medial aspect of the humerus, just above the origin of brachialis

Action:

• Adducts the humerus
• Flexes the humerus

Innervation: Musculocutaneous nerve (C5/6/7)

Needling

Position: Supine

Palpation: Palpate the coracoid process

Technique:

1. 1. At the coracoid directly – Bracket the coracoid process with your fingers and needle perpendicularly downwards using the coracoid process as a bony backdrop
   2. Externally rotate the shoulder if possible. Needle through the muscle belly of this muscle just lateral to the axillary and brachial artery aiming towards the humerus – Needle in an anterior-to-posterior direction with a slight lateral bias

Caution: High – the lung field lies directly medial and deep to the coracoid process and the axillary and brachial artery lie just medial to this muscle belly – Also note, the position of the patient’s shoulder may alter where the lung field is in relation to the coracoid process