Abstract:
Glenohumeral joint particular anatomy and biomechanics raise many questions about its
implication in the aetiology and pathophysiology of shoulder instability. We proposed ourselves to
perform an anatomic and histologic study of the nervous endings and receptor structures inside the
glenoid labrum emphasizing the anatomic and neurophysiologic importance of treating Bankart
lesions. We performed minute anatomic dissections and harvested glenoid labrum from 47 fresh
cadavers with no lesions of the shoulder, at the Anatomy Department of the University of Medicine
and Pharmacy from Craiova; we studied micro anatomic the stereo topography of the nervous endings
and receptor structures using the Cajal-Nonidez argentic impregnation staining method and we
examined the serried section at a Nikon research microscope. We also made in vivo observations of
the labrum morphology during shoulder arthroscopy. Our observations revealed: spiral neurofibers
and Pacini lamellar corpuscle at the posterior and inferior aspect of the glenoid labrum; grouped
neurofibers first described by Rollette at the anterior and superior aspect; encapsulated nervous
endings type II (A, B) from Freeman and Wyke classification at the junction area between the labrum
and the long biceps tendon. The presence of mechanic receptors inside the glenoid labrum and
especially at the insertion of long biceps tendon brings up the idea for the existence of some neuron
modulating processes associated to movements with the nervous center at C5-C7 cervical
neuromeres. The presence of mechanic receptors inside glenoid labrum opens new perspectives in the
knowledge of neurocibemetics mechanisms involved in shoulder joint complex motions; it also
emphasize the importance of Bankart repair followed by functional therapy in order to restore and to
retrain the damaged proprioceptive reflexes.
