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Head of humerus

The head of the humerus is the large, rounded, proximal articular surface of the humerus that forms the ball component of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint. It articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula, creating one of the most mobile joints in the human body.

The head is nearly hemispherical, covered with hyaline articular cartilage, and directed medially, superiorly, and posteriorly. The junction between the head and shaft is marked by the anatomical neck, while the greater and lesser tubercles flank it laterally and anteriorly.

The blood supply is derived primarily from the anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries, with contributions from the arcuate artery. Disruption of this supply, such as in fractures, predisposes the head to avascular necrosis (AVN).

Clinically, the head of the humerus is a key site for fractures, dislocations, osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, and rotator cuff pathology, making it a critical focus in radiology and orthopedics.

Synonyms

  • Humeral head

  • Caput humeri

  • Proximal humeral head

Function

  • Articulates with the glenoid cavity of scapula to form the shoulder joint

  • Provides a wide range of motion (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, circumduction)

  • Transmits forces from upper limb to scapula

  • Serves as an attachment site for the joint capsule and ligaments

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: low signal intensity

  • Marrow: high/intermediate signal depending on fat content

  • Cartilage: intermediate signal

T2-weighted images:

  • Cartilage appears bright (hyperintense) relative to bone

  • Joint fluid appears hyperintense, delineating the articular surface

PD-FS (Proton Density Fat-Suppressed):

  • Suppresses marrow fat, making cartilage, labrum, and bone marrow edema more conspicuous

  • Useful for detecting subchondral fractures, bone marrow lesions, and cartilage thinning

STIR:

  • Strong fat suppression highlights bone marrow edema, fractures, or inflammatory changes

  • Sensitive for early AVN, contusions, and occult fractures

T1 Post-Gadolinium (MR Arthrography):

  • Enhances the capsule, labrum, and synovium; cartilage defects outlined by contrast

  • Useful for detecting labral tears, synovitis, and subtle cartilage pathology

  • Helps assess enhancement patterns in AVN (double-line sign)

MRI Non-Contrast 3D Imaging:

  • Provides 3D evaluation of humeral head shape, cartilage coverage, and version

  • Used in pre-surgical planning for arthroplasty and instability

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Provides excellent visualization of cortical bone, fractures, bone loss, and deformities

  • Useful for evaluating fracture comminution and orientation

CT Post-Contrast (CT Arthrography):

  • Contrast outlines the joint capsule and articular cartilage

  • Detects cartilage defects, labral tears, intra-articular fragments, and degenerative changes

  • 3D reconstructions aid in arthroplasty and surgical planning

MRI images

Head of humerus anatomy MRI axial image -img-00000-00000

MRI images

Head of humerus anatomy MRI SAG image

CT images

Head of humerus anatomy ct axial image -img-00000-00000

CT images

Head of humerus anatomy ct coronal image -img-00000-00000

CT 3D VRT image

Head of humerus vrt image