From the Research
The glenohumeral joint is primarily stabilized by the rotator cuff tendons, including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis, as well as the glenohumeral ligaments, coracohumeral ligament, and transverse humeral ligament. The tendons and ligaments that stabilize the glenohumeral joint can be broken down into two main categories:
- Tendons:
- Rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
- Long head of biceps tendon
- Ligaments:
- Glenohumeral ligaments (superior, middle, and inferior)
- Coracohumeral ligament
- Transverse humeral ligament These structures work together to provide stability and allow for the wide range of motion in the shoulder joint, as demonstrated by studies such as 1 and 2. The rotator cuff tendons attach muscles to the humerus, providing dynamic stability during movement. The glenohumeral ligaments reinforce the joint capsule, with the inferior glenohumeral ligament being particularly important for preventing dislocation, as noted in 3. The coracohumeral ligament helps limit external rotation and inferior translation of the humerus. Understanding these structures is crucial for diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries, as well as for performing surgical procedures on the shoulder, as highlighted in 4 and 5. Damage to any of these tendons or ligaments can significantly impact shoulder function and stability.