Glenohumeral Joint Capsule

Description

Illustration of the capsule from an anterior view, note that it is distended

a) Coronal section of the shoulder joint showing the articular surfaces, glenoid labrum, fibrous capsule and synovial membrane; (b) Posterior view of the right shoulder joint showing the fibrous capsule; (c) Lateral view of the right shoulder. The humerus has been removed to expose the fibrous capsule and glenoid fossa

Name

• Joint Capsule of the Glenohumeral Joint
• Glenohumeral Joint Capsule

General

• Fibrous sheath which encloses the glenohumeral joint
• Originates along the rim of the glenoid fossa proximal to the glenoid labrum
• Extends from the anatomical neck of the humerus
• Synovial membrane lines the inner surface of the joint capsule
• Capsule is thicker above than below

Function

• Capsule is lax, permitting greater mobility, especially abduction
• Does not keep the bones in contact, allows physiologic separation up to 2.5 cm
• Synovial fluid lubricates the joint preventing friction between the articular surfaces

Supporting Structures

• Above: Supraspinatus
• Below: Long head of Triceps Brachii
• Posterior: Tendons of infraspinatus, teres minor
• Anterior: Tendon of subscapularis

Openings

• Anterior: opening establishes communication with the subscapularis bursa and the joint just below the coracoid process
• Posterior: Sometimes there is an opening and bursa under the tendon of infraspinatus, however this is not always present
• Humeral: between the tubercles of the humerus, the long head of the biceps brachii tendon communicates

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Clinical Significance

Pathology

• Adhesive Capsulitis
• Glenohumeral Dislocation
• Glenohumeral Instability

Procedures

• Glenohumeral Joint Injection
• Glenohumeral Arthrocentesis

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See Also

• Shoulder Pain Main
• Physical Exam Shoulder
• Shoulder Anatomy Main

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