Blood Supply and Vascularity of the Glenoid Labrum: Its Clinical Implications

Dr Alashkham and his colleagues have reported that tears of the glenoid labrum are common after dislocation of the glenohumeral joint.

The outcome for healing or surgical reconstruction of the glenoid labrum relies on the extent of its vascularisation. Despite the importance of the glenoid labrum in shoulder stability and the high incidence of associated lesions, its blood supply has been rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the glenoid labrum blood supply and to determine its regional vascularity. It was found that the blood supply to the glenoid labrum is by direct branches from the second part of the axillary artery, subscapular, circumflex scapular and anterior circumflex humeral and posterior circumflex humeral arteries, as well as branches of muscular arteries supplying the surrounding muscles. The authors concluded that the glenoid labrum has a rich blood supply suggesting that, regardless of the types of the glenoid labrum lesions or their management, an excellent outcome for glenoid labrum healing and joint stability is possible. The observations also suggest that the blood supply to the glenoid labrum is sufficient, enabling its reattachment.

The paper has been published in Journal of orthopaedic Surgery and is free to download.

Blood Supply and Vascularity of the Glenoid Labrum: Its Clinical Implications

Related Links