Common animal models lack a distinct glenoid labrum: a comparative anatomy study

Abstract

Purpose Development and validation of an animal model of labral healing would facilitate translation of novel surgical and biological strategies to improve glenolabral healing. The purpose of this study was to characterize the anatomic and histological properties of the shoulder labrum in rat, rabbit, dog, pig, goat, and humans. Given the demonstrated similarities in size and structural morphology in other joints, it was hypothesized that the goat glenoid with surrounding capsulolabral complex would most closely resemble that of humans in terms of dimensions and structure, as observed grossly and histologically. Methods Cadaveric glenohumeral joints from rats (n = 8), New Zealand white rabbits (n = 13), Mongrel dogs (n = 9), Spanish goats (n = 10), Yorkshire pigs (n = 10), and humans (n = 9) were freshly harvested. Photographs were taken of the glenoid with its surrounding capsulolabral complex. Linear dimensions of the glenoid articular surface were measured. It was determined where the capsulolabral complex was continuous with, or recessed from, the articular glenoid surface. The glenoid was divided into 6 equal segments radiating out toward 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 o’clock positions. Samples were sectioned and stained with Safranin O/Fast green and Mallory Trichrome. Insertion of the capsulolabral tissue onto the glenoid was qualitatively assessed and compared with gross morphology. Results Dimensions of the goat glenoid most closely paralleled dimensions of the human glenoid. A capsulolabral complex was continuous with the glenoid surface from ~ 9 to 12 o’clock in the rats, 7 to 12 o’clock in rabbits, 5 to 12 o’clock in the dogs, and 9 to 12 o’clock in goats, 6 to 12 o’clock in pigs, and 2 to 8 o’clock in humans. In contrast to humans, no other species demonstrated an organized fibrocartilaginous labrum either macroscopically or histologically. Conclusion The animals in the present study did not possess a discrete fibrocartilaginous labrum by gross or histological evaluation, as directly compared to humans. While models using these animals may be acceptable for examining other shoulder pathologies, they are not adequate to evaluate labral pathology. Level of evidence Basic Science Study; Anatomy and Histology; Cadaveric Animal Model.

Histological Analysis of Regenerative Properties in Human Glenoid Labral Regions

“… 23 , 52 The SGL, in contrast, is loosely attached to the capsule. 21 , 22 Most of its mass is instead attached to the avascular long head of the biceps tendon. 23 , 47 , 52 The blood supply to the superior region may be hindered further with an increasing detachment from the capsule, especially with age.…”

“…Tears may be described by their position on a superimposed clockface on the glenoid (with the long head of the biceps as 12 o’clock) or by general anatomic positions, such as the anterior, superior, posterior, and inferior glenoid labrum (AGL, SGL, PGL, and IGL, respectively). 20 , 22 , 23 , 47 , 59 Superior labrum anteroposterior (SLAP) tears, which occur at the superior labral aspect after trauma or repetitive motion, are among the most common labral tears, accounting for up to 80% to 90% of glenoid labral tears. 28 Bankart tears, the most common injury in the unstable shoulder, 14 , 20 occur at the anterior or anteroinferior aspect.…”

Biomolecule‐releasing bioadhesive for glenoid labrum repair through induced host progenitor cell responses

“…Instead, we discovered that the joint capsule provided a rich reservoir of progenitor cells. Since many reports have observed the glenoid labrum of various animal species and humans to be continuous with the joint capsule in various regions around the glenoid rim (primarily anteriorly and posteriorly), 47 cells located in these attachment areas may migrate to the labrum injury site. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to determine the exact source of progenitor cells.…”