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Anterior rim of glenoid

The anterior rim of the glenoid refers to the anterior margin of the glenoid cavity of the scapula, forming a critical component of the shoulder joint socket. It contributes to the stability of the glenohumeral joint by providing attachment for the labrum and joint capsule and plays a key role in maintaining congruency between the humeral head and glenoid.

It is a vital anatomical landmark in shoulder biomechanics, sports medicine, trauma assessment, and cross-sectional imaging.

Synonyms

  • Anterior glenoid margin

  • Anterior glenoid edge

Location

  • Situated on the anterior aspect of the glenoid cavity

  • Part of the lateral border of the scapula

  • Faces anterolaterally

  • Articulates with the humeral head via the glenohumeral joint

  • Adjacent to the anterior joint capsule and labrum

Anatomical components

  • Osseous rim of the scapula

  • Cortical shell with underlying cancellous bone

  • Attachment site for:

    • Glenoid labrum

    • Anterior joint capsule

    • Glenohumeral ligaments

  • Articular relationship:

    • Forms part of the glenoid socket surface contour

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Subscapularis tendon

  • Anterior joint capsule

Posteriorly:

  • Glenoid fossa articular surface

Superiorly:

  • Superior glenoid rim and biceps anchor region

Inferiorly:

  • Inferior glenoid rim and attachment of inferior glenohumeral ligament

Laterally:

  • Humeral head

Medially:

  • Scapular neck

X-ray appearance

Plain radiographs (AP, Grashey, axillary views):

  • Anterior rim: Subtle contour forming the anterior border of the glenoid

  • Best visualized on: Axillary and true AP (Grashey) views

  • Glenoid outline: Smooth, continuous arc

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Anterior rim: Well-defined cortical margin at the anterior glenoid

  • Contour: Smooth and sharply outlined

  • Trabecular pattern: Normal cancellous bone

  • Spatial assessment: Excellent delineation of rim shape and thickness

  • Articular surface continuity: Clearly demonstrated

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal intensity

  • Marrow of glenoid: High signal intensity

  • Rim contour: Clearly defined against adjacent soft tissues

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortex: Low signal

  • Joint fluid: High signal outlining the anterior rim

  • Labrum: Low-signal triangular structure attached to the rim

STIR:

  • Fat suppression: Uniform marrow fat suppression

  • Rim margins: Well visualized

  • Capsule and ligaments: Enhanced contrast against suppressed marrow

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Bone marrow: Suppressed fat signal

  • Joint fluid: High signal

  • Labrum and capsule: Low-signal structures with clear delineation

  • Soft-tissue contrast: Excellent for evaluating labral and capsular attachments

CT VRT 3D image

Anterior rim of glenoid

CT image

Anterior rim of glenoid ct

MRI image

Anterior rim of glenoid mri anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000