The glenohumeral ligaments are three thickenings of the anterior glenohumeral joint capsule, the superior, middle, and inferior, providing position-dependent passive stability to the shoulder joint. The inferior glenohumeral ligament complex with its anterior and posterior bands is the most important for overall shoulder stability, functioning as a hammock for the humeral head and the primary restraint against anterior instability in the abducted and externally rotated position.
| Origin | Glenoid labrum |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Anatomical neck of the humerus via superior, middle, and inferior bands |
| Actions | Passive stabilisers of the glenohumeral joint against translation and rotation at different arm positions |
|---|
The inferior glenohumeral ligament anterior band is the structure most commonly damaged in traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, often avulsing from the glenoid rim in a Bankart lesion. Posterior band injuries are associated with posterior shoulder instability. The degree of capsular laxity and ligament integrity determines the surgical approach to shoulder instability repair, ranging from arthroscopic Bankart repair for ligamentous injuries to Latarjet procedure for significant bone loss.
Avulsion of the inferior glenohumeral ligament anterior band from the glenoid rim during anterior shoulder dislocation, producing recurrent instability that is repaired arthroscopically when conservative management fails.
