Glenoid

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody ◉ and Dr Ayush Goel ◉ et al.

The glenoid or glenoid cavity or fossa is the shallow depression of the scapula found on the lateral angle.

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Images:
  • glenoid labrum: the cavity has a fibrocartilaginous structure on its margin called the glenoid labrum which is continuous superiorly with the tendon of the long head of biceps brachii
  • joint capsule: attaches to the glenoid outside the glenoid labrum and tendon of the long head of biceps brachii
  • superior, middle and inferior glenohumeral ligaments: thickenings of the joint capsule

The glenoid articulates with the head of humerus to form glenohumeral joint.

The Walch classification is sometimes used in assessing glenoid wear.

  • dentate glenoid (glenoid hypoplasia)
    • shallow glenoid fossa and hypoplasia of the lower two-thirds of the glenoid and scapula neck with irregular joint surface 2
  • Buford complex
Anatomy: Upper limb

Anatomy: Upper limb

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Article information

rID: 25318
System: Musculoskeletal
Section: Anatomy
Tag: refs, refs
Synonyms or Alternate Spellings:
  • Glenoid fossa of scapula
  • Glenoid cavity

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Cases and figures

  • Figure 1: glenoid fossa
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  • Case 1: normal anatomy on AP projection
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  • Case 1: normal anatomy on Y-projection
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  • Case 1: normal anatomy on axillary view
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  • Case 2: dentate glenoid (variant)
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  • Case 3: Buford complex (variant)
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