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Posterior rim of glenoid

The posterior rim of the glenoid refers to the posterior bony margin of the glenoid cavity of the scapula. It forms the posterior boundary of the glenohumeral joint socket and plays a crucial role in maintaining shoulder stability by providing attachment for the glenoid labrum and contributing to the concavity of the articular surface.

It is an important anatomical landmark in shoulder biomechanics, trauma evaluation, arthroscopy, and cross-sectional imaging.

Synonyms

  • Posterior glenoid margin

  • Posterior glenoid border

Location

  • Situated on the posterior aspect of the glenoid cavity

  • Part of the lateral angle of the scapula

  • Forms the posterior boundary of the glenohumeral joint

  • Faces posterolaterally

  • Adjacent to the posterior glenohumeral joint capsule

Anatomical components

  • Cortical bony rim of the scapula

  • Subchondral bone beneath articular cartilage

  • Attachment site for the posterior glenoid labrum

  • Continuous with the superior and inferior glenoid rims

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Glenoid articular cartilage

  • Humeral head

Posteriorly:

  • Infraspinatus tendon and muscle

  • Posterior joint capsule

Superiorly:

  • Supraglenoid tubercle region

  • Origin of the long head of the biceps tendon

Inferiorly:

  • Inferior glenoid rim

  • Origin of the long head of the triceps (infraglenoid tubercle)

Medially:

  • Neck of the scapula

Laterally:

  • Articular surface of the glenoid cavity

X-ray appearance

Plain radiographs (AP, axillary, and scapular Y views):

  • Posterior rim: Seen as the posterior contour of the glenoid socket

  • Best visualized on: Axillary and scapular Y views

  • Cortical outline: Smooth and continuous

  • Relationship: Defines posterior boundary of the glenohumeral joint space

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Posterior rim: Sharp cortical margin outlining the posterior glenoid

  • Subchondral bone: Uniform density beneath articular surface

  • Contour: Smooth and concave following glenoid curvature

  • Spatial assessment: Excellent for evaluating rim shape, version, and cortical integrity

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal intensity

  • Marrow of scapula: High signal

  • Posterior rim contour: Clearly delineated

  • Labrum attachment: Seen as low-signal triangular structure adjacent to rim

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortex: Low signal

  • Joint fluid: High signal outlining the posterior rim

  • Labrum: Low-signal structure contrasted against fluid

STIR:

  • Fat suppression: Suppresses marrow fat of the scapula

  • Posterior rim margins: Well visualized

  • Capsule and labrum: Clearly differentiated from surrounding tissues

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Bone marrow: Fat suppressed

  • Joint fluid: High signal

  • Posterior labrum: Well defined as low-signal triangular structure

CT VRT 3D image

Posterior rim of glenoid

CT image

Posterior rim of glenoid ct

MRI image

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