Home Body Atlas Nerves Articular Branches to the Glenohumeral Joint
Nerve Shoulder

Articular Branches to the Glenohumeral Joint

rami articulares articulationis humeri

Articular branches from the axillary nerve, suprascapular nerve, and lateral pectoral nerve innervate the glenohumeral joint capsule and labrum, providing nociceptive and proprioceptive function. The axillary nerve supplies the inferior capsule; the suprascapular nerve supplies the posterior capsule.

Region: Shoulder
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Glenohumeral joint denervation using articular branch targeting is an emerging technique for refractory shoulder pain in patients unsuitable for arthroplasty. Fluoroscopic or ultrasound-guided blocks of the anterior and posterior articular branches provide diagnostic confirmation. The distribution of capsular innervation explains why inferior capsular contracture in frozen shoulder is so painful.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Glenohumeral Capsular Pain

Nociceptive sensitisation of the articular branches innervating the joint capsule in adhesive capsulitis, labral tears, or glenohumeral arthritis, producing deep anterior and posterior shoulder pain unresponsive to peripheral approaches.

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