Effects of Simulated Injury on Tissue Deformation and Mechanical Properties of the Anteroinferior Glenohumeral Capsule

The glenohumeral joint is the most dislocated major joint in the body with most dislocations occurring anteriorly. [1] The anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (AB-IGHL) is the primary passive restraint to dislocation and experiences the highest strains during these events. [2,3] It has been found that injuries to the capsule following dislocation include permanent deformation, which increases joint mobility and contributes to recurrent instability. [4] Many current surgical repair techniques focus on plicating redundant tissue following injury. However, these techniques are inadequate as 12–25% of patients experience pain and instability afterwards and thus may not fully address all capsular tissue pathologies resulting from dislocation. [5] Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of permanent deformation on the mechanical properties of the AB-IGHL during a tensile elongation. Improved understanding of the capsular tissue pathologies resulting from dislocation may lead to new repair techniques that better restore joint stability and improve patient outcome by placating the capsule in specific locations.