Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Glenohumeral Joint

Excerpt

The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket joint structurally and a diarthrodial, multiaxial joint functionally. This joint is the shoulder girdle's major articulation, uniting the humeral head with the scapula's glenoid cavity. Minor shoulder articulations include the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and scapulothoracic joints. The glenohumeral joint exhibits the highest degree of mobility among all human joints. Static and dynamic stabilizing structures allow for a wide range of motion in multiple body planes that predispose the joint to injury (see Image. Left Shoulder Anatomy).

The glenohumeral joint is inherently unstable, making it prone to dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Clinically, management ranges from conservative rehabilitation to surgical interventions, including arthroscopic repair for soft tissue injuries and total shoulder arthroplasty for severe joint degeneration. Surgical approaches must balance restoring stability with preserving range of motion to optimize functional outcomes. Understanding the anatomy and function of the glenohumeral joint is essential for managing various upper limb pathologies.