Superior Glenohumeral Ligament

The superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) is a small reinforcing band near the top-front of your shoulder joint capsule. It works as part of the rotator interval rather than as an isolated strap.

Location

• Begins near the upper glenoid rim and the long-head biceps anchor
• Crosses the front-top portion of the joint
• Attaches near the lesser tubercle of the humerus
• Blends with the joint capsule and coracohumeral ligament
• Helps form tissue around the long-head biceps tendon

Its exact shape and thickness vary between people.

Function

• Helps resist downward movement of the humeral head when the arm rests by your side
• Contributes to stability at the top-front of the joint
• Works with the coracohumeral ligament to control rotation in certain arm positions
• Helps support the soft-tissue pulley around the long-head biceps tendon

The SGHL is one part of a larger stabilizing system. The capsule, other glenohumeral ligaments, labrum and rotator cuff all share the job.

Structures It Connects To

• Glenohumeral joint capsule
• Coracohumeral ligament
• Long head of the biceps
• Subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons
• Glenoid labrum and biceps anchor

Common Problems

• May be involved in rotator interval injury
• Can be affected during shoulder dislocation or instability
• May contribute to long-head biceps pulley lesions
• Can become part of the stiffened tissue pattern seen in frozen shoulder

Pain in the front of the shoulder does not identify an SGHL injury. Nearby structures overlap too closely for symptoms alone to isolate this small ligament.

Clinical Relevance

The SGHL is most often interpreted as part of the rotator interval and biceps pulley complex. Imaging findings must be matched with the injury history, strength, movement and stability examination.

Related Anatomy

• Glenohumeral joint capsule — the tissue it reinforces
• Coracohumeral ligament — its close partner in the rotator interval
• Long head of the biceps — passes beside the ligament
• Subscapularis — forms part of the nearby biceps pulley

Related Injuries

• Shoulder instability
• Shoulder dislocation
• Biceps tendinopathy
• Frozen shoulder

References

1. StatPearls. "Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Glenohumeral Joint." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537018/
2. StatPearls. "Shoulder Arthrogram." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580562/
3. Lugo R, Kung P, Ma CB. Shoulder biomechanics. Eur J Radiol. 2008;68(1):16-24. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5039561/