DAMAGE TO THE SHOULDER GIRDLE, SHOULDER JOINT AND SHOULDER

Abstract

Movements of the shoulder are shared between the shoulder joint proper, i.e. between the humerus and glenoid part of the scapula, and movement of the scapula on the chest wall. Normally, during abduction there is a smooth integration between these movements, but in pathological conditions, one may predominate over the other, e.g. stiffness at the shoulder joint may mean that the only possibility for abduction is at the scapulothoracic joint. On the other hand, stiffness or ankylosis of the sternoclavicular joint may virtually eliminate scapular movements. The rotator cuff muscles surrounding the upper end of the humerus and the capsule of the shoulder are important for stabilizing the shoulder and producing rotation, while the deltoid provides most of the power of abduction.