Glenohumeral ligaments

Dr Henry Knipe◉ et al.

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

Gross anatomy

Superior glenohumeral ligament

• runs from the superior aspect of the glenoid and coracoid process to the fovea capitis just superior to the lesser tuberosity of the humerus
• initially anterior then anteroinferior to the long head of the biceps tendon; stabilises the biceps brachii tendon 3

Middle glenohumeral ligament

• runs from the anterosuperior glenoid, arising just inferior to the superior GHL, to the anterior aspect of the anatomic neck of the humerus

Inferior glenohumeral ligament

• sometimes referred to as the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex 4
• runs from the inferior two-thirds of the glenoid labrum and/or neck to the lateral humerus
• 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 stabiliser of the abducted shoulder 1, 4

Spiral glenohumeral ligament

• also referred to as fasciculus obliquus 5
• runs from the infraglenoid tubercle and triceps tendon to the lesser tubercle of the humerus where it has a joint insertion with the subscapularis tendon
• not well-known, but consistently demonstrated on both anatomic dissection and MR arthrography 5

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 1 and absent in 30% 3 
  • forms part of the Buford complex

Related pathology

• humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL)
• bony humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (BHAGL lesion)

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Related articles

Upper limb anatomy

• skeleton of the upper limb[+]
• joints of the upper limb
  • shoulder joint
    • articulations
      • sternoclavicular joint
      • acromioclavicular joint[+]
      • glenohumeral joint
        • glenoid labrum[+]
        • glenohumeral ligaments
          • spiral glenohumeral ligament
        • coracohumeral ligament
        • coracoacromial ligament
      • scapulocostal joint (scapulothoracic joint)
      • suprahumeral joint
      • variants[+]
    • associated structures[+]
    • movements[+]
    • ossification centres
  • elbow joint[+]
  • wrist joint[+]
  • hand joints[+]
• spaces of the upper limb[+]
• muscles of the upper limb[+]
• blood supply to the upper limb[+]
• innervation of the upper limb[+]
• lymphatic drainage of the upper limb[+]

Reference