HAGL lesion

Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is, as the name suggests, avulsion of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) from its humeral insertion. It can be associated with a bony avulsion fracture in which case it is referred to as bony humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (BHAGL lesion).

Epidemiology

Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament is much more frequent in young men engaged in contact sports.

Clinical presentation

Clinical presentation is usually with a history of shoulder dislocation. Anterior shoulder pain, apprehension in abduction and lateral rotation, subjective instability and crepitus are noted on examination.

Pathology

Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament most often results from anterior shoulder dislocation due to forced hyperabduction and external rotation of the arm.

Associations
  • bony avulsion from the medial cortex of the humeral neck, and when combined with a Bankart lesion are often termed a “floating” inferior glenohumeral ligament: may be seen in ~ 20% of cases

Radiographic features

MRI

MRI is the modality of choice for assessment of HAGL, especially as the finding may be difficult to diagnose on arthroscopy. Typical findings include:

Treatment and prognosis

Shoulder instability as a result of HAGL lesions is reported to occur in ~5% (range 2-10%) .

The degree of instability and the presence of other associated injuries determines whether surgical repair is required.

Differential diagnosis

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