glenoideo

The glenoideo, commonly referred to as the glenoid cavity or glenoid fossa, is a shallow articular surface on the lateral aspect of the scapula. It forms the socket of the shoulder joint, the glenohumeral joint, by articulating with the head of the humerus. The cavity is covered by hyaline cartilage, and its fibrocartilaginous rim, the glenoid labrum, deepens the socket to improve joint congruence.

Anatomy and structure: The glenoid fossa is oval to pear-shaped, with the inferior portion usually deeper than the superior. The glenoid labrum attaches around the rim and extends beyond the margin to increase depth and stability. The joint capsule attaches to the rim and is reinforced by the glenohumeral ligaments and the coracohumeral ligament. The orientation of the glenoid is lateral with a slight anterior and inferior tilt, influencing the mechanics of the humeral head during movement.

Clinical significance: The relatively shallow socket contributes to the shoulder’s wide range of motion and, consequently, to joint instability and a risk of dislocations, especially anterior dislocations. Common injuries involve the labrum, such as a Bankart lesion (detachment of the labrum from the glenoid rim) which can be associated with bone loss at the rim (bony Bankart). Glenoid bone loss and version abnormalities can affect stability and articulation and may contribute to degenerative changes or impingement.

Development and variation: Glenoid depth and version vary among individuals and can be altered by injury or disease. Imaging—particularly CT and MRI—is used to assess version, bone loss, and labral integrity in clinical evaluation.