Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament

Description

(A) Schematic illustration of the anterior ligaments of the shoulder. SGHL: superior glenohumeral ligament, MGHL: middle glenohumeral ligament, IGHL: anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, spiral GHL: spiral glenohumeral ligament. (B) Sagittal oblique MR arthrogram image shows the fasciculus obliquus (thick white arrows, B), the frenula capsulae (synovial bands) (thin white arrows, B) and the middle glenohumeral ligament (black arrows, B).

A typical shoulder joint with the superior, middle and anterior-band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL, MGHL and AB-IGHL) insertion areas shown. The posterior-band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (PB-IGHL) is not shown for clarity.

Name

• Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament
• Ligamentum glenohumerale inferius
• Inferior glenohumeral ligament complex

Gross Anatomy

• Origin: inferior two-thirds of the glenoid labrum
• Insert: inferior aspect of the anatomical humeral neck
• Three components
  • Anterior band
  • Posterior band
  • Axillary pouch (Between anterior and posterior bands)

Function

• Reinforces the glenohumeral joint capsule, especially anteriorly
• Most important stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint, prevents anterior and inferior dislocation

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Clinical Significance

• Glenohumeral Instability
• Glenohumeral Dislocation

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See Also

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

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