The middle glenohumeral ligament: a classification based on arthroscopic evaluation

Abstract

Background: Although middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) variations have been shown in the literature, their clinical effect and relationship with intra-articular pathologies have yet to be revealed, except for the Buford complex. This study was designed to classify MGHL and to reveal its relationship with clinical pathologies.

Methods: A total of 843 consecutive shoulder arthroscopies were evaluated retrospectively, and a classification system was proposed for MGHL with regard to its structure and its relation to the anterior labrum. The associations of each MGHL type with superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions, subscapularis tears, and anterior instability were investigated.

Results: MGHL variations were grouped into 6 types according to the classification. A significant difference in favor of type 6 MGHL (Buford complex) was observed in the distribution of SLAP lesions (P < .001). There was no significant difference between MGHL types and the distribution of anterior instability history (P = .131) and subscapularis tears (P = .324).

Conclusion: SLAP lesions accompany type 6 MGHLs (Buford complex) significantly more frequently than other types. There is also a negative relation between the anterior instability and thicker MGHL variants.

Keywords: Anatomic variations; Anterior instability; Buford complex; Middle glenohumeral ligament; SLAP lesion; Shoulder arthroscopy.