Objective To evaluate the role of glenoid osseous structure on anterior stabil ity of shoulder so as to provide the biomechanical basis for cl inical treatment. Methods Ten fresh shoulder joint-bone specimens were collected from10 adult males cadavers donated voluntarily, including 4 left sides and 6 right sides. The displacements of the specimens were measured at 0° and 90° abduction of shoulder joint by giving 50 N posterior-anterior load under the conditions as follows: intact shoulder joint, glenoid l ip defect, 10% of osseous defect, 20% of osseous defect, and repairing osseous defect. Results For intact shoulder joint, glenoid l i p defect, 10% of osseous defect, 20% of osseous defect, and repairing osseous defect, the displacements were (10.73 ± 2.93), (11.43 ± 3.98), (13.58 ± 4.86), (18.53 ± 3.07), and (12.77 ± 3.13) mm, respectively at 0° abduction of shoulder joint; the displacements were (8.41 ± 2.10), (8.55 ± 2.28), (9.06 ± 2.67), (12.49 ± 2.32), and (8.55 ± 2.15) mm, respectively at 90° abduction of shoulder joint. There was no significant difference between intact shoulder joint and others (P gt; 0.05) except between intact shoulder joint and 20% of osseous defect (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion When shoulder glenoid l ip defects or the glenoid osseous defect is less than 20%, the shoulder stabil ity does not decrease obviously, indicating articular l igament complex is not damaged or is repaired. When glenoid osseous defect is more than 20% , the shoulder stabil ity decreases obviously even if articular l igament complex is not damaged or is repaired. Simultaneous repair of glenoid osseous defect andarticular l igament complex can recover the anterior stabil ity of the shoulder.