Anterior Glenohumeral Capsule

capsula articularis glenohumeralis anterior

The anterior glenohumeral capsule extends from the anterior glenoid neck to the anatomical neck of the humerus, reinforced by the three glenohumeral ligaments. Its redundant inferior fold (axillary pouch) allows full shoulder abduction.

Region: Shoulder

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Provides the anterior fibrous constraint of the glenohumeral joint, contains the synovial membrane and joint fluid, and is reinforced by the subscapularis and glenohumeral ligaments to resist anterior shoulder instability.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Anterior capsular laxity or redundancy is the primary structural basis of anterior glenohumeral instability. Thermal capsulorrhaphy was historically used to shrink lax capsular tissue but has been largely replaced by capsular plication and Bankart repair. In shoulder arthroplasty, anterior capsulotomy provides joint access.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Anterior Capsular Laxity in Multidirectional Instability

Globally lax anterior and inferior capsule producing multidirectional shoulder instability, managed by inferior capsular shift surgery reducing capsular volume.

Anterior Capsulotomy in Shoulder Arthroplasty

The anterior capsule is divided during shoulder replacement to expose and dislocate the humeral head anteriorly for component preparation.