Imaging Diagnosis of Glenohumeral Instability with Clinical Implications

The glenohumeral joint has a wide range of motion which can be advantageous in activities such as overhead throwing sports or occupational activities that require a wide variety of movements in the shoulder. However, this wide range of motion makes it an unstable joint and this is the major reason why shoulder instability and shoulder dislocation are very frequent in traumatic injuries such as falls and sports-related injuries. It is important to be familiar with the normal anatomical and pathologic imaging appearances of the structures in the shoulder to effectively diagnose and treat glenohumeral instability injuries. This chapter provides an up-to-date review of the normal shoulder anatomy and the various clinical and imaging features involved in glenohumeral instability with an emphasis on the MRI manifestations.