Glenohumeral ligament

There are three glenohumeral ligaments (GHL), which are thickenings of the glenohumeral joint capsule and are important passive stabilizers of the joint.

Gross anatomy

Superior glenohumeral ligament
  • runs from the superior aspect of the glenoid and coracoid process to the superior part of the the lesser tuberosity of the humerus at the medial edge of the intertubercular fossa
  • initially anterior then anteroinferior to the long head of the biceps tendon; stabilizes the biceps brachii tendon
Middle glenohumeral ligament
  • runs from the anterosuperior glenoid, arising just inferior to the superior GHL, to the articular surface of the subscapularis tendon.
Inferior glenohumeral ligament
  • sometimes referred to as the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex 
  • runs from the inferior two-thirds of the glenoid labrum and/or neck to the inferior aspect of the anatomical humeral neck
  • composed of three parts
    • anterior band
    • posterior band
    • axillary pouch: laxity between anterior and posterior bands
  • most important of the three GHLs as it prevents dislocation at extreme range of motion and is the main stabilizer of the abducted shoulder
Spiral glenohumeral ligament
  • also referred to as fasciculus obliquus
  • runs from the infraglenoid tubercle and triceps tendon to the lesser tubercle of the humerus where it shares an insertion with the subscapularis tendon
  • not well-known, but consistently demonstrated on both anatomic dissection and MR arthrography

Variant anatomy

  • superior GHL is almost always present (97%) but has variable origin
    • arises with biceps brachii tendon
    • arises with middle GHL
  • middle GHL is variable in size and appearance and absent in 30%  

Related pathology

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