Age related morphometric changes of the glenoid labrum

Objectives: Although the glenoid labrum is linked to glenohumeral joint stability, its anatomy remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the shape, consistency of the glenoid labrum, and whether these and its thickness and depth are age related. Methods: A total of 140 shoulders were dissected to expose the glenoid labrum. the shape and consistency of the glenoid labrum were assessed at a gross level. Measurements were taken of the labrum depth and thickness, using callipers, in the superior, anterior, inferior and posterior regions. ANOVA and chi-square tests were conducted to determine statistical significance, which was set at p<0.05. Results: The consistency of the superior half of the labrum was rubbery in 97.9% of specimens and firm in the remaining 2.1%, whereas the entire inferior half was firm. There was a significant difference (p=0.043) in the consistency of the superior half between males and females. The superior half was triangular in 95.7% of specimens, flat in 2.1% and flat to triangular in 2.1%, whereas the shape of the inferior half was rounded in 99.3% of specimens and flat in 0.7%. The labrum was observed to be thicker in younger individuals, with the differences being significant superiorly (p=0.011), anteriorly (p=0.050), inferiorly (p=0.001) and posteriorly (p=0.047). It was also observed to be deeper in younger individuals, but only significantly so superiorly (p=0.044). Conclusion: Labrum thickness and depth significantly decreased with increasing age, suggesting that these observations could be age-related.