Supporting Structures

Question 1

Describe the capsule of the glenohumeral joint and give its attachments

Answer 1

> fibrous capsule loosely surrounds joint (with synovial membrane)
attached to circumference of glenoid fossa; beyond labrum and including supra-glenoid tubercle
attaches to anatomical neck, inferiorly attaches to shaft via ‘inferior fold’ which is loose fitting to allow full range of flexion/abduction
strengthened by rotator cuff tendons + ligaments

Question 2

Ligaments around the glenohumeral joint

Answer 2

> capsular: sup/mid/inf glenohumeral ligaments (thickenings of anterior capsule)
transverse humeral - supports biceps tendon in intra-tubercular groove (greater to lesser tubercle)
accessory: coracohumeral ligament (coracoid process to greater tubercle)
: coracoacromial ligament (coracoid process to acromion process)