Anatomy of the superior glenohumeral ligament.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to give a detailed, anatomical description of the superior glenohumeral ligament and its relationship with the neighbouring structures in the rotator interval.


METHODS
Twenty-seven cadaveric shoulder specimens were dissected in fine detail to describe superior glenohumeral ligament and additional histologic examination was performed.


RESULTS
The superior glenohumeral ligament is a constant, gross anatomic structure that was present in all of twenty-seven investigated specimens. The fibers of the superior glenohumeral ligament could be divided into two groups - the oblique and direct fibers. The direct fibers of the superior glenohumeral ligament arise from the glenoid labrum, run parallel with the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii towards the lesser tubercle, which they also partly insert onto. The rest of the direct fibers course into the bottom of the bicipital groove and bridge over it, forming the superior part of the transverse humeral ligament. The oblique fibers arise from the supraglenoid tubercle, run over the intraarticular part of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii and insert below the coracohumeral ligament into the humeral semicircular ligament.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to its anatomic composition and tight connection with the neighboring articular structures, the superior glenohumeral ligament is involved in the stabilizing mechanisms of the intraarticular part of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii and plays an important role in the variety of clinical disorders that occur within the rotator interval.
Kask
Kristo
K
Institute of Anatomy, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany. kristo.kask@gmail.com
Põldoja
Elle
E
Lont
Tõnis
T
Norit
Raigo
R
Merila
Mati
M
Busch
Lüder C
LC
Kolts
Ivo
I
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*