|
| |
Shoulder Conditions
 | The shoulder joint is
actually an intricate complex of four articulations that, working
together, allow for more motion than any other joint in the human body. The
main joint is called the glenohumeral joint. This is a ball and saucer
joint. The ball portion of the proximal humerus (arm bone) articulates
against the saucer-shaped glenoid portion of the scapula (shoulder blade).
This is the joint that is injured in a shoulder dislocation. The scapula, in
turn, rests against the upper posterior rib cage, and there is actually a fair
amount of movement between the scapula and the rib cage normally. The scapula
also articulates with the clavicle (collar bone) through the acromion process
of the scapula. This joint is referred to as the acromioclavicular joint and
is the joint that is injured during a shoulder separation. |
| An intricate complex
of ligaments and muscles provides stability to these joints and allows for
smooth, painless motion. Through injury or degeneration, portions of the
shoulder complex can be damaged or wear out. This can result in pain and
stiffness, as well as weakness, instability, and loss of function of the
shoulder. |
|
