Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Biomechanics of the Shoulder

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Shoulder Arthroscopy

  • 531 Accesses

Abstract

The shoulder is not a joint, but a complex of articulations, bones, muscles, and ligaments. These all interplay in a well-orchestrated manner to allow movement and function of the hand in space, allowing us to perform many activities that are unique to humans. The shoulder complex in humans has mainly evolved for throwing, which was important for hunting. Overhead sports have replaced traditional hunting. Each of the five joints of the shoulder has unique biomechanics, thus unique injuries. In this chapter we will cover the biomechanical properties of each joint, as well as the important muscle-tendon movers and stabilizers of the shoulder complex. We will focus on how these relate to injuries, disease, and arthroscopic surgery.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Palmitier RA, An KN, Scott SG, Chao EY. Kinetic chain exercise in knee rehabilitation. Sports Med. 1991;11(6):402–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Steindler A. Kinesiology of the human body under normal and pathological conditions. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas; 1955.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Sugamoto K, Harada T, Machida A, Inui H, Miyamoto T, Takeuchi E, Yoshikawa H, Ochi T. Scapulohumeral rhythm: relationship between motion velocity and rhythm. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2002;401:119–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Inman JT, Saunders M, Abbott L. Observations on the function of the shoulder joint. J Bone Joint Surg. 1944;26:1–30.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Shenkman M, De Cartaya VR. Kinesiology of the shoulder complex. JOSPT. 1987;8(9):438–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Lucas D. Biomechanics of the shoulder joint. Arch Surg. 1973;107:425–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Williams P, Bannister L, Berry M, et al. Gray’s Anatomy, The anatomical basis of medicine and surgery. Br. ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Churchill RS, Brems JJ, Kotschi H. Glenoid size, inclination, and version: an anatomic study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2001;10(4):327–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Brewer BJ, Wubben RC, Carrera GF. Excessive retroversion of the glenoid cavity. A cause of non-traumatic posterior instability of the shoulder. JBJS. 1986;68(5):724–31.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Semogas V, Granville-Chapman J, Mackenzie TA, Funk L. Glenoid version as a contributing factor to shoulder instability. Shoulder Elbow. 2015;7:309–32.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Hughes RE, Bryant CR, Hall JM, Wening J, Huston LJ, Kuhn JE, Carpenter JE, Blasier RB. Glenoid inclination is associated with full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2003;407:86–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Moor BK, Bouaicha S, Rothenfluh DA, Sukthankar A, Gerber C. Is there an association between the individual anatomy of the scapula and the development of rotator cuff tears or osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint? A radiological study of the critical shoulder angle. Bone Joint J. 2013;95(7):935–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Ricchetti ET, Hendel MD, Collins DN, Iannotti JP. Is premorbid glenoid anatomy altered in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2013;471(9):2932–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Roche SJ, Funk L, Sciascia A, Kibler WB. Scapular dyskinesis: the surgeon’s perspective. Shoulder Elbow. 2015;7(4):289–97.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Lippitt SB, Matsen FA III. Mechanisms of glenohumeral joint stability. Clin Orthop. 1993;291:20–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Gibb TD, Sidles JA, Harryman DT 2nd, McQuade KJ, Matsen FA III. The effect of capsular venting on glenohumeral laxity. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991;268:120–7.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Cooper DE, Arnoczky SP, O’Brien SJ, Warren RF, Dicarlo E, Allen AA. Anatomy, histology, and vascularity of the glenoid labrum. An anatomical study. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 1992;74(1):46–52.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Vanderhooft E, Lippett S, Harris S, Sidles J, Harryman DT, Matsen FA. Glenohumeral stability from concavity-compression: a quantitative analysis. Orthop Trans. 1992;l6:774.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Bowen MK, Deng XH, Hannafin JA, O’Brien SJ, Altchek DW, Warren RF. An analysis of the patterns of glenohumeral joint contact and their relationship to the glenoid “bare area”. Trans Orthop Res Soc. 1992;l7:496.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Townley CO. The capsular mechanism in recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg. 1950;32A:370–80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Bankart ASB. Discussion on recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg. 1948;30B:46–7.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Gohlke F, Essigkrug B, Schmitz F. The pattern of the collagen fiber bundles of the capsule of the glenohumeral joint. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1994;3:111–28.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Turkel SJ, Panio MW, Marshall JL, Girgis FG. Stabilizing mechanisms preventing anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. J Bone Joint Surg. 1981;63-A:1208–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Blasier RB, Goldberg RE, Rothman ED. Anterior shoulder stability: contributions of rotator cuff forces and the capsular ligaments in a cadaver model. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1992;1:140–50.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Terry GS, Hammon D, France P, Norwood LA. The stabilizing function of passive shoulder restraints. Am J Sports Med. 1991;19:26–34.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Warren RF. Subluxation of the shoulder in athletes. Clin Sports Med. 1983;2(2):339–54.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Pagnani MJ, Warren RF. Stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1994;3:173–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Warner JJP, Deng XP, Warren RF, Torzilli PA. Static capsular ligamentous constraints to superior-inferior translation of the glenohumeral joint. Am J Sports Med. 1992;20:675–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. O’Brien SJ, Schwartz RE, Warren RF, Torzilli PA. Capsular restraints to anterior/posterior motion of the shoulder. Orthop Trans. 1988;12:143.

    Google Scholar 

  30. O’Brien SJ, Neves MC, Arnoczky SP, Rozbruch SR, DiCarlo EF, Warren RF, Schwartz R. The anatomy and histology of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex of the shoulder. Am J Sports Med. 1990;18:449–56.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. O’Connell PW, Nuber GW, Mileski RA, Lautenschlager E. The contribution of the glenohumeral ligaments to anterior stability of the shoulder joint. Am J Sports Med. 1991:18579–84.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Inman VT, Saunders JR, Abbott JC. Observations on the function of the shoulder joint. J Bone Joint Surg. 1994;26(A):1–30.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Perry J. Muscle control of the shoulder. In: Rowe CR, editor. The shoulder. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1988. p. 17–34.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Wuelker N, Wirth CJ, Plitz W, Roetman B. A dynamic shoulder model: reliability testing and muscle force study. Biomech. 1995;28(5):489–99.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Clark M, Harryman DT. Tendons, ligaments and capsule of the rotator cuff. J Bone Joint Surg. 1992;74A:713–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Wilk KE, Voight ML, Keirns MA, Gambetta V, Andrews JR, Dillman CJ. Stretch-shortening drills for the upper extremities: theory and clinical application. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1993;17:225–39.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Wilk KE, Arrigo CA, Andrews JR. Current concepts: the stabilizing structures of the glenohumeral joint. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1997;25(6):364–79.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Sahara W, Sugamoto K, Murai M, Tanaka H, Yoshikawa H. 3D kinematic analysis of the acromioclavicular joint during arm abduction using vertically open MRI. J Orthop Res. 2006;24(9):1823–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Fukuda KI, Craig EV, An KN, Cofield RH, Chao EY. Biomechanical study of the ligamentous system of the acromioclavicular joint. J Bone Joint Surg Am Vol. 1986;68(3):434–40.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Lee K, Debski RE, Chen C, et al. Functional evaluation of the ligaments at the acromioclavicular joint during anteroposterior and superoinferior translation. Am J Sports Med. 1997;25:858–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Dyrna FG, Imhoff FB, Voss A, Braun S, Obopilwe E, Apostolakos JM, Morikawa D, Comer B, Imhoff AB, Mazzocca AD, Beitzel K. The integrity of the acromioclavicular capsule ensures physiological centering of the acromioclavicular joint under rotational loading. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(6):1432–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Nakazawa M, Nimura A, Mochizuki T, Koizumi M, Sato T, Akita K. The orientation and variation of the acromioclavicular ligament: an anatomic study. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(10):2690–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Costic RS, Vangura A, Fenwick JA, et al. Viscoelastic behaviour and structural properties of the coracoclavicular ligaments. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2003;13:305–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Steindler A. Kinesiology of the human body under normal and pathological conditions. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas; 1959.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Oatis CA. Kinesiology: the mechanics and pathomechanics of human movement. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Upper Limb Unit, Wrightington Hospital, Wigan, UK

    Lennard Funk

Authors
  1. Lennard Funk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lennard Funk .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Joint and Bone Surgery, University of Brescia, Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    Giuseppe Milano

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Casa di Cura Villa Valeria, Rome, Roma, Italy

    Andrea Grasso

  3. Shoulder and Upper Limb Department, St. Luke's Hospital, Bielsko-Biała, Poland

    Roman Brzóska

  4. Department of Traumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Ladislav Kovačič

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE, part of Springer Nature

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Funk, L. (2023). Biomechanics of the Shoulder. In: Milano, G., Grasso, A., Brzóska, R., Kovačič, L. (eds) Shoulder Arthroscopy. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-66868-9_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-66868-9_2

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-66867-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-66868-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation