Articular capsule of the humerus

Articular capsule of the humerus
Capsule of shoulder-joint (distended). Anterior aspect.
Details
Latin	Capsula articularis articularis humeri
Anatomical terminology []

The articular capsule of the humerus is the articular capsule of the shoulder joint. It completely encircles the joint, being attached, above, to the circumference of the glenoid cavity beyond the glenoidal labrum; below, to the anatomical neck of the humerus, approaching nearer to the articular cartilage above than in the rest of its extent.

It is thicker above (superior) and below (inferior) than elsewhere, and is so remarkably loose and lax, that it has no action in keeping the bones in contact, but allows them to be separated from each other more than 2.5 cm, an evident provision for that extreme freedom of movement which is peculiar to this articulation.

It is strengthened, above, by the Supraspinatus; below, by the long head of the Triceps brachii; behind, by the tendons of the Infraspinatus and Teres minor; and in front, by the tendon of the Subscapularis.

Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder syndrome is a common shoulder capsule pathology that results when injury, surgery, or other chronic health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis damage or loosen the shoulder joint. As a result of the damage, the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and taut, leading to stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder area. Range of motion can usually be restored by treating the affected area with heat and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in addition to light stretching and or a disciplined physical therapy program. In extreme cases where medication and physical therapy prove to be ineffective in treating the condition, arthroscopic surgery (known as Arthroscopic Capsular Release) can be performed to loosen the capsule by removing regions of thickened scar tissue within and around the shoulder joint.