Glenohumeral Joint

Illustration of the glenohumeral joint

Description

• Defined by the articulation of the head of the Humerus and the glenoid cavity of the Scapula
  • Classified as a synovial "ball and socket" joint
  • Sometimes referred to as a golf ball and a tee
• Static stabilizers
  • Bony structures
    • Humeral head
    • Glenoid cavity
  • Ligaments
    • Glenohumeral Joint Capsule
    • Glenoid Labrum
    • Coracohumeral Ligament
    • Glenohumeral Ligament Complex
  • Negative intra-articular pressure
• Dynamic Stabilizers
  • Muscles
    • Rotator Cuff
    • Long head of the Biceps Brachii
    • Periscapular muscles

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Function

• Geometry provides functional benefit by allowing for a broad arc of motion
• However, only 25% of the humeral head is in contact with the glenoid at any point in the arc of motion
• Compromise is potential instability

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Vascular Supply

• Anterior Circumflex Humeral Artery
• Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery
• Suprascapular Artery
• Scapular Circumflex Artery

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Nerve

• Suprascapular Nerve
• Axillary Nerve
• Lateral Pectoral Nerve

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Clinical Significance

• Shoulder Instability
• Glenohumeral Arthritis

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See Also

• Physical Exam Shoulder
• Shoulder Anatomy (Main)
• Shoulder Pain (Main)

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