The anterior glenohumeral joint capsule: macroscopic and MRI anatomy of the fasciculus obliquus or so-called ligamentum glenohumerale spirale

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the macroscopic and MRI anatomy of the fasciculus obliquus, otherwise known as the ligamentum glenohumerale spirale or spiral GHL of the anterior shoulder joint capsule. Conventional and MR arthrography (1.5-T device Somatom Symphony, Siemens with shoulder coil) images in standard planes were compared with gross anatomic dissection findings in six fresh shoulder specimens from three cadavers. The MR imaging protocol included T1, PD and DESS 3D WI sequences. The macroscopically recognisable band-the spiral GHL-was identified by anatomic dissection and MRI in all the specimens. It was best visualised by MR arthrography on axial and oblique sagittal planes (T1; PD WI) and appeared as a low signal intensity stripe within the superficial layer of the anterior joint capsule. The absence of the variable middle glenohumeral ligament did not influence the anatomic properties and the MR imaging of the spiral GHL. Diagnostic visualisation of the normal anatomic structures is a prerequisite to distinguish between normal and pathologic conditions. Anatomy of the spiral GHL can be used by radiologists for more detailed interpretation of the anterior shoulder joint capsule ligaments on MR images.

Magnetic resonance imaging of shoulders with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis: reliability of measures

“…1a,b). -In the rotator interval: measured by the widest portion of the capsule and synovial at the center part of the rotator interval (defined as the middle distance between the superior aspect of the subscapularis tendon and the anterior aspect of the supraspinatus tendon) perpendicular to the adjacent humeral head cortex, according to Emig, Vahlensieck and Tetro [4,[13][14][15], on a sagittal T1-weighted spin-echo Gdchelate-enhanced sequence (Fig. 2a,b).…”

Magnetic resonance imaging and correlative gross anatomy of the ligamentum semicirculare humeri (rotator cable)

“…The method also makes it possible to get detailed images of the anterior capsular structures (Merila et al, 2004).…”

Response to the letter to the editor “regarding ‘anatomy of the superior glenohumeral ligament’ ”

“…Its extra-articular, arthroscopic, and radiologic anatomy was described by Kolts et al in 2001 and Merila et al 10,11 in 2004 and 2008. Pouliart et al 13 in 2008 partly repeated the previous investigation of the ligament using the historically known term ''fasciculus obliquus,'' although the term ''fasciculus'' corresponds to connective tissue that is less organized than a ligament.…”