Anterior Labrum

labrum glenoidale anterius

The anterior glenoid labrum is a fibrocartilaginous rim attached to the anterior glenoid margin, deepening the glenoid socket and providing the attachment point for the inferior glenohumeral ligament.

Region: Shoulder

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Deepens the glenoid by 50% of its depth, provides the anterior attachment for the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex, and acts as a chock-block preventing anterior humeral head escape from the glenoid.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The Bankart lesion (anterior labral avulsion from the glenoid in anterior shoulder dislocation) is the primary pathological finding in recurrent anterior instability. Arthroscopic Bankart repair re-attaches the labrum and capsule to the glenoid rim using suture anchors.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Bankart Lesion — Anterior Labral Avulsion

Anterior labrum detachment from the glenoid in first or recurrent dislocation producing recurrent anterior instability, repaired arthroscopically by suture anchor labral reattachment.

Bony Bankart Lesion

Anterior glenoid rim fracture accompanying labral avulsion producing bone loss instability requiring Latarjet coracoid transfer rather than soft tissue repair alone.