Q29 Glenohumeral joint

Question 1

State the type of joint

Answer 1

Polyaxial synovial ball and socket joint

Question 2

Briefly describe the articular surface of the glenoid fossa

Answer 2

Small pear shaped depression at the supra lateral aspect of the scapula, covered in hyaline cartilage – thicker at periphery. A little more than 1/3 of that of the head of humerus, but is deepened by the fibrocartilage glenoid labrum.

Question 3

State the movements which occur at this joint (full planar range)

Answer 3

Flexion / Extension, Abduction / Adduction, Medial / Lateral rotation
Could add horizontal flexion and horizontal extension

Question 4

Name 2 ligaments which assist stability at this joint

Answer 4

Capsular ligaments (superior, middle and inferior Glenohumeral ligaments)
Transverse humeral ligament
Accessory Ligaments are: coracoacromial ligament, coracohumeral ligament