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Glenoid process of scapula

The glenoid process of the scapula is the lateral angle of the scapula, projecting outward to form the glenoid cavity (glenoid fossa). This shallow articular surface articulates with the head of the humerus to create the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint.

The cavity is deepened by the glenoid labrum, a fibrocartilaginous rim that stabilizes the joint. The supraglenoid tubercle serves as the origin for the long head of the biceps tendon, while the infraglenoid tubercle gives origin to the long head of the triceps tendon. The glenoid rim provides attachment for the joint capsule and glenohumeral ligaments.

The glenoid is oriented slightly anterolaterally and upward, which permits an extensive range of motion but predisposes the shoulder to instability. Its morphology (version, inclination, and bone stock) is critical in instability, arthritis, fractures, and surgical planning such as arthroplasty.

Synonyms

  • Glenoid cavity of scapula

  • Glenoid fossa

  • Lateral angle of scapula

Function

  • Provides the articular surface for the humeral head

  • Supports attachment of the labrum, capsule, and glenohumeral ligaments

  • Serves as origin for biceps and triceps long head tendons

  • Maintains shoulder mobility and stability

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: low signal intensity

  • Subchondral bone marrow: intermediate signal

  • Labrum: hypointense

T2-weighted images:

  • Articular cartilage: hyperintense

  • Labrum: hypointense; tears appear bright hyperintense clefts

  • Useful for detecting cartilage loss and labral pathology

PD-FS (Proton Density Fat-Suppressed):

  • Provides excellent contrast between cartilage, labrum, and adjacent structures

  • Highlights labral tears, capsular pathology, and subtle cartilage changes as hyperintense signals

  • Suppresses fat, making bone marrow edema and soft tissue injury conspicuous

  • Highly sensitive for rotator cuff interval and glenoid labrum evaluation

STIR:

  • Fat suppression highlights bone marrow edema, fractures, or inflammatory changes

  • Useful for trauma and arthritis assessment

T1 Post-Gadolinium (MR Arthrography):

  • Contrast outlines the glenoid labrum, capsule, and articular cartilage

  • Labral tears identified as contrast extending into abnormal clefts

  • Enhances evaluation of capsular attachments and cartilage defects

MRI Non-Contrast 3D Imaging:

  • Provides 3D reconstructions of glenoid morphology

  • Critical for pre-surgical evaluation in instability and arthroplasty planning

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Provides excellent detail of cortical bone, glenoid fractures, and bone loss

  • Used to measure glenoid version, inclination, and bone stock

CT Post-Contrast (CT Arthrography):

  • Joint contrast highlights the labrum, capsule, and cartilage surfaces

  • Detects labral tears, cartilage defects, and subtle osseous injuries

  • 3D reconstructions assist in orthopedic surgical planning

CT images

Glenoid process of scapula CT coronal image -img-00000-00000

MRI image

Glenoid process of scapula MRI axial image -img-00000-00000