Shoulder Labrum, Lateral View

Description

Oriented in a lateral projection of the male shoulder girdle, the scapula is presented with the glenoid cavity facing laterally and the acromion sweeping superiorly to meet the distal clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint. Along the rim of the glenoid, the fibrocartilaginous glenoid labrum forms a circumferential wedge, thickest at the peripheral border and tapering toward the articular surface to deepen the socket. Posterior ribs of the thoracic cage sit medial to the scapular body, reinforcing the scapulothoracic relationship even though the humeral head is not included. Clean bony landmarks. Reading the labrum in profile matters because its geometry explains common patterns of instability and injury: separation at the anteroinferior labrum (Bankart lesion) reduces containment of the humeral head during abduction and external rotation, while superior labral tears (SLAP) relate to traction and peel-back at the biceps anchor on the superior glenoid. A lateral view also aligns with arthroscopic orientation when identifying the glenoid rim and labral height before repair, and it helps distinguish true labral detachment from normal anatomic variants such as a sublabral recess. Use this artwork in shoulder anatomy teaching for gross anatomy, orthopaedics, sports medicine, and physical therapy curricula when you need a clear explanation of how the glenoid labrum increases articular congruity at the glenohumeral joint. It also suits operative manuals and patient-facing education on anterior shoulder dislocation, labral repair, and postoperative rehabilitation that emphasizes restoring stability without overconstraining rotation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.