The Effect of Anterior Dislocation on the Mechanical Properties of the Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament

The glenohumeral joint is the most frequently dislocated major joint in the body with about 2% of the population dislocating their shoulders between the ages of 18 and 70 [1]. Instability due to permanent deformation of the glenohumeral capsule is commonly associated with dislocation [2]. Current surgical repair techniques for shoulder dislocations typically consist of plication of the glenohumeral capsule, or folding the tissue over on itself, to reduce redundancy in the capsule and restore stability to the shoulder. Up to 25% of patients who undergo surgery for a shoulder dislocation still experience pain, instability, and recurrent dislocation after surgery [3]. It is hypothesized that the mechanical properties of the glenohumeral capsule change in response to dislocation. In addition, the magnitude and location of these changes may have implications for the ideal location and extent of plication. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the mechanical properties of the axillary pouch of the glenohumeral capsule in tension and shear after anterior dislocation.© 2012 ASME