Posterior Labrum

labrum glenoidale posterius

The posterior glenoid labrum reinforces the posterior glenoid margin and provides the attachment for the posterior glenohumeral capsule. It is typically thinner than the anterior labrum.

Region: Shoulder

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Deepens the posterior glenoid socket, provides the posterior capsular attachment, and resists posterior humeral head subluxation during forward flexion and internal rotation activities.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Posterior labral tears (reverse Bankart lesions) occur in posterior shoulder instability from recurrent posterior loading — common in offensive linemen and gymnasts. The Kim lesion (posterior inferior labral tear with posteroinferior labrocapsular separation) is a specific pattern causing subtle posterior instability.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Reverse Bankart Lesion in Posterior Instability

Posterior labral avulsion producing recurrent posterior shoulder subluxation, repaired by arthroscopic posterior labral reattachment with suture anchors.

Kim Lesion — Posterior Inferior Labral Tear

Incomplete posterior inferior labrocapsular avulsion producing subtle posterior instability in athletes, identified by careful arthroscopic probing and repaired by posterior capsulolabral reconstruction.