From the Guidelines
The glenoid is a shallow, pear-shaped socket located on the lateral edge of the scapula that forms part of the shoulder joint, serving as the socket component of the ball-and-socket joint where the rounded head of the humerus fits into this concave surface. The glenoid's structure is characterized by its shallowness, which allows for the extensive range of motion of the shoulder but also makes the joint more susceptible to instability and dislocation 1.
Key Characteristics of the Glenoid
- It is lined with articular cartilage
- It is surrounded by a fibrocartilaginous rim called the glenoid labrum, which deepens the socket and provides additional stability to the joint
- Its structure represents an evolutionary compromise between mobility and stability, allowing humans to perform complex upper limb movements essential for daily activities while maintaining sufficient joint integrity. The glenoid plays a crucial role in the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis, with various surgical options available, including total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty, which have been addressed in clinical practice guidelines 1.