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HomeIntroductionThe skinThe first muscle layerThe coracoacromial arch and the clavipectoral fascThe humeroscapular motion interfaceThe rotator cuffThe scapulohumeral ligamentsThe glenoid labrumInterconnection and anatomy

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Relevant Anatomy of Glenohumeral Instability.

Last updated Friday, February 04, 2005

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The glenoid labrum

The glenoid labrum is a fibrous rim that serves to deepen the glenoid fossa and allow attachment of the glenohumeral ligaments and the biceps tendon to the glenoid.


Interconnection and anatomy

Anatomically, it is the interconnection of the periosteum of the glenoid, the glenoid bone, the glenoid articular cartilage, the synovium, and the capsule. While microscopic studies have shown that a small amount of fibrocartilage exists at the junction of the hyaline cartilage of the glenoid and fibrous capsule; the vast majority of the labrum consists of dense fibrous tissue with a few elastic fibers. (Gardner, 1963; Moseley and Overgaard, 1962; Townley, 1950) The posterior-superior labrum is continuous with the long head tendon of the biceps. Anteriorly it is continuous with the inferior glenohumeral ligament. (Grant, 1972; Moseley, 1945; Moseley, 1972; Trillat and Leclerc-Chalvet, 1973) Hertz et al (Hertz et al, 1986) detailed the micro anatomy of the labrum, while Prodromos et al (Prodromos et al, 1990), DePalma (DePalma, 1973) and Olsson (Olsson, 1953) have described the changes in the glenoid labrum with age.

In cadavers, isolated labral deficiency is not usually sufficient to allow glenohumeral dislocation. (Pagnani et al, 1995; Reeves, 1968a; Reeves, 1969; Townley, 1950) However, clinical studies reveal a high incidence of labral deficiency in recurrent traumatic instability. (Bankart, 1939; D'Angelo, 1970; DePalma, 1950b; Matsen and Thomas, 1990; Rowe et al, 1978; Ungersbock et al, 1995)

The reader is referred to a recent review of the gross anatomy of the glenohumeral joint surfaces, ligaments, labrum and capsule by Warner. (Matsen et al, 1993)

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.


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