The axillary pouch of the IGHL forms the hammock-like inferior glenohumeral sling that is the primary static stabiliser with the arm in abduction. Both the anterior and posterior bands of the IGHL attach to the superior pouch (the thick floor of the hammock), which is the primary load-bearing region. Contracture of the axillary pouch in adhesive capsulitis dramatically restricts abduction.
| Origin | Inferior glenoid labrum (4-8 o'clock) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Inferior humeral neck (medial to the surgical neck) |
| Actions | Hammock-like sling maintaining the humeral head in the glenoid in abduction — the IGHL is the primary glenohumeral stabiliser with the arm abducted |
|---|
The axillary pouch is the first and most important structure released in arthroscopic adhesive capsulitis treatment — releasing the posterior and inferior capsule opens the axillary pouch and restores abduction and internal rotation. Adequate release of the axillary pouch from the posterior portal to the 7 o'clock position is required for full motion restoration.
IGHL axillary pouch fibrosis restricting abduction released by arthroscopic posterior and inferior capsular release.
