Ligaments In The Shoulder
By Robert Lim, PTA
Image of the ligaments of the shoulder.
The shoulder joint is protected and surrounded by a soft tissue sac called the shoulder capsule. Ligaments, soft tissue structures that connect bone to bone, help reinforce the capsule. The capsule and ligaments provide passive stability to the shoulder while still allowing movements in different planes. Below we will describe the ligaments that help keep the shoulder in its place.
Glenohumeral Ligaments
The joint capsule is shaped by a group of ligaments that connect the humerus to the glenoid. These ligaments are the main source of stability for the shoulder. There are three Glenohumeral ligaments ( superior, middle and inferior glenohumeral ligaments). These ligaments in the the shoulder help hold the shoulder in place and keep it from dislocating out of the socket.
Coraco-acromial Ligament
Another ligament in the shoulder joins the coracoid to the acromion which is called the coracoacromial ligament (CAL). This ligament can thicken and cause Impingement Syndrome in the shoulder.
Coraco-clavicular Ligaments
The next two ligaments that we will discuss will be the trapezoid and conoid ligaments, which attach the clavicle coracoid process of the scapula. These tiny ligaments with the AC joint, play an important role in keeping the scapula attached to the clavicle. A hard fall on the point of the shoulder can rupture these ligaments with possibility of a dislocation of the AC Joint .
Transverse Humeral Ligament
The Transverse Humeral Ligament holds the tendon of the long head of biceps brachii muscle in the area between the greater and lesser tubercle on the humerus bone.
JOI Fracture and Injury Care
JOI Physicians are currently offering ASAP fracture and injury care. Make an appointment by calling (904)JOI-2000. This is a new option for patients who would like to avoid the emergency room if they have suffered a fracture or soft tissue injury. To learn more about this service, read this article about fracture and injury care.
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By: ROBERT LIM, PTA