Shoulder joint ligaments and accessory structures

inferior glenohumeral ligament

-a thick band that attaches to the anterior, posterior, and middle portions of the glenoid labrum and to the inferior and medial aspects of the neck of the humerus.

anterior and posterior sternoclavicular ligaments

-actual anterior and posterior thickenings of the sternoclavicular joint capsule -serve to limit anterior and posterior glide of the sternoclavicular joint

costoclavicular ligament

-an extracapsular ligament -provides significant limits to medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior movements of the clavicle as well as to elevation

coracohumeral ligament

-attaches to the lateral aspect of the base of the coracoid process and to the greater tubercle of the humerus. It blends with the supraspinatus tendon and with the capsule.

capsuloligamentous complex

-connective tissue structures of the glenohumeral joint -the joint capsule and reinforcing ligaments -maintains intraarticular pressure that supports the glenohumeral joint

middle glenohumeral ligament

-has abroad attachment on the anterior aspect of the labrum inferior to the superior glenohumeral ligament and passes inferiorly and laterally, expanding as it crosses the anterior aspect of the glenohumeral joint and attaches to the lesser tubercle deep to the tendon of the subscapularis.

intraarticular disc

-interposed between the clavicle and sternum -increases the articular surface on which the clavicle moves -serves to block any medial movement of the clavicle -attached inferiorly to the superior aspect of the first costal cartilage

ligaments of the glenohumeral joint

-limit excessive translation of the head of the humerus on the glenoid fossa. Tightness of these ligaments actually contributes to increased translation of the humeral head in the opposite direction

acromioclavicular ligament

-limits posterior glide of acromioclavicular joint -primary support to the acromioclavicular joint against loads and displacements

glenoid labrum

-ring of fibrous tissue and fibrocartilage surrounding the periphery of the glenoid fossa -increases depth of articular surface and articular contact area -decreases stress (force/area) on the glenoid fossa -deformable (adds little or no restriction to glenohmeral movement)

coracoclavicular ligament

-runs from the coracoid process to the inferior surface of the clavicle -provides critical support against large excursions and medial displacements -primary suspensory ligament of the shoulder complex -made up of the conoid ligament and the trapezoid ligament

superior glenohumeral ligament

-runs from the superior portion of the labrum and the base of the coracoid process to the superior aspect of the humeral neck -along with the coracohumeral ligament and the tendon of the long head of the biceps lies in the space between the tendons of the supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles. (This space is known as the rotator interval)

trapezoid ligament

-runs vertically and laterally from the coracoid process to the trapezoid line of the clavicle -part of the coracoclavicular ligament -limits excessive superior glide at the acromioclavicular joint

conoid ligament

-runs vertically from the coracoid process to the conoid tubercle of the clavicle -part of the coracoclavicular ligament

first costal cartilage

-shares attachment of the clavicle with the manubrium at the sternoclavicular joint -a barrier to inferior deformation of the clavicle

intraclavicular ligament

-the superior thickening of the sternoclavicular joint capsule -a thick fibrous band extending from one sternoclavicular joint to the other -covers the floor of the sternal notch -helps prevent superior and lateral displacements of the clavicle on the sternum.

coracoacromial ligament

-unusual because it crosses no joint; extends between the coracoid process and the acromion -forms the roof over the glenohumeral joint by attaching from -helps create subacromial space -provides protection for the underlying bursa and supraspinatus tendon -provides a limit to superior gliding of the humerus in a very unstable glenohumeral joint