Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the cap-suloligamentous structures of the shoulder joint and their association with rotator cuff tendons.

Methods: Twenty seven alcohol-formalin-glycerol þxed right shoulder joints (age range 65 Ð 78 years) were investigated. The Ligg. coracohumerale, coracoglenoidale, glenohumeralia, semicirculare humeri and gleno-capsulare were dissected in þne detail. To visualise the rotator interval, the Processus coracoideus was cut at its base and moved together with the Ligg. coracohumerale and coracoglenoidale posteriorly. The analysis of the ligamentous structures and their relations with the rotator cuff tendons was performed.

Results: The Lig. coracohumerale originated from Processus coracoideus and Lig. coracoglenoidale. It inserted into the Lig.semicirculare humeri Ð a capsular ligament spread between Tubercula minus et majus. Lig. glenocapsulare originated posterior to the Tuberculum supragle-noidale and inserted into the Lig. semicirculare humeri. The Mm. supra- and infraspinatus inserted into the Lig. semicirculare humeri. The anterior capsule was strengthened in addition to the three Ligg. glenohumeralia with a Lig. glenohumerale spirale. It originated from the Tuberculum infraglenoidale, coursed craniolaterally and inserted together with the M. subscapularis tendon at the Tuberculum minus.

Conclusions: The shoulder joint capsule is strengthened with the Ligg. coracohumerale, coracoglenoidale, glenohumeralia superior, medium, inferior et spirale and Ligg. semicirculare humeri et glenocapsulare. The close relation of the ligamentous structures with the tendons of the rotator cuff brings a new insight into the different glenohumeral pathologies.

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the anatomy of the medial collateral ligament of the Articulatio cubiti and to analyse its clinical importance. Methods: Eight alcohol-formalin-glycerol þxed elbow joints were dissected (age range 65 Ð 78). The muscles of the arm, elbow and the forearm were removed. The ligaments of the elbow joint were þnely dissected. The joint cavity was opened and the intra-articular anatomy of the medial collateral ligament was described. Results: In all the investigated specimens the Lig. collaterale ulnare was composed of three parts Ð Partes anterior, posterior et obliquus. The oblique (transverse) part of the ligament spread between Processus coronoideus and Olecranon. Intra-articularly the Pars obliqua strengthened the joint capsule at the lower part of the ulnohumeral connection in all the dissected specimens. Conclusions: It is the common belief, that the oblique part of the Lig. collaterale ulnare is unstable anatomical variation, that does not cross the ulnohumeral joint. According to our þndings it is a constant anatomical structure that is intra-articularly visible within the lower part of the medial joint capsule. It does not connect only the bony parts of the Processus coronoideus and Olecranon, but also strengthens the articular joint capsule and contributes to elbow stability. This anatomical fact should be taken into consideration during the diagnosis and treatment of different elbow joint pathologies.