Glenohumeral joint dissection: a new protocol

Abstract

Objectives: The glenohumeral joint, as a component of the shoulder girdle, is one of the most frequently injured joints of theupper extremity. Typical dissection of the glenohumeral joint does not allow an intracapsular view without sacrificing the joint capsuleand surrounding structures.Methods: A dissection method is presented which reveals the internal capsule of the glenohumeral joint, the glenoidlabrum, the proximal insertion of the long head of the biceps tendon, and glenohumeral joint surfaces while preserving theposterior aspect of the capsule and surrounding supportive muscles and tendons of the joint.Results: The novel dissection technique allowed for preservation of glenohumeral joint structures and consideration or reexaminationof the relationships and structures.Conclusion: The authors present an alternative protocol for dissection of the glenohumeral joint that minimizes destruction ofthe surrounding structures while allowing visualization of the internal capsule and maintains the relationships of the surroundingsupporting structures of the pectoral girdle that may be used for study at a later time.