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.
| Origin | Suprascapular, axillary and lateral pectoral nerves (C5, C6), with small contributions from the subscapular nerves |
|---|---|
| Course | Fine articular twigs reach the joint capsule from several directions: the suprascapular nerve to the superior and posterior capsule, the axillary nerve to the inferior capsule, and the lateral pectoral nerve to the anterosuperior capsule |
| Sensory |
|
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.
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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