S2_L2: Kinesiology of the Shoulder Complex Flashcards
TRUE OR FALSE: The muscle that is parallel to the movement is the one that is most activated. It’s always about the line or plane of movement to muscle fiber.
True
TRUE OR FALSE: Elevation of the arm is always in relation to the trunk unless stated otherwise.
True
Note: As long as the trunk does not participate in the motion, the degree of elevation of arm from vertical and elevation of arm relative to the trunk will be the same.
TRUE OR FALSE: The scapulohumeral rhythm is a combination of concomitant glenohumeral and scapulothoracic motion. It varies among individuals and external constraints, but in reality, there is no definitive scapulohumeral rhythm.
True
It is the only muscle capable of producing simultaneous scapular upward rotation (prime mover), posterior tilting, and external rotation, and has the largest moment arms of any of the scapulothoracic muscles.
Serratus anterior
Note: It is also the primary stabilizer of the inferior angle and medial border of the scapula.
Paralysis of this muscle results to scapular winging
serratus anterior (boxer’s muscle)
____ occurs to maintain the contact of the scapula with the contour of the rib cage and to orient the glenoid fossa.
Scapular tilting
During normal flexion or abduction of the arm, the scapula ____ tilts on the thorax as the scapula is upwardly rotating.
posteriorly
TRUE OR FALSE: The orientation of the glenoid fossa is important for maintaining congruency with the humeral head; maximizing function of glenohumeral muscles, capsule and ligaments; maximizing stability of the glenohumeral joint; and maximizing available motion of the arm.
True
TRUE OR FALSE: Elevation of the scapula in the thorax (e.g., shoulder shrug) can result in anterior tilting or tipping of the scapula.
True
The greatest shear forces during humeral elevation typically occur between ___ degrees of elevation.
30-40
Painful arc of motion between ___ degrees of elevation (flexion & abduction) may indicate the rotator cuff or biceps as the primary source of pain.
60-120
Note: Pain later in the range of motion may indicate acromioclavicular degeneration as the primary source of pain.
TRUE OR FALSE: A force component parallel to the long bone has a stabilizing effect because the parallel component contributes to joint compression.
True
Most frequently dislocated joint in the body
glenohumeral joint
TRUE OR FALSE: Shoulder dislocations are usually anterior-inferior, but multi-directional.
True
Most common because of the weakness of the rotator interval capsule, foramen of Weitbrecht, weak rotator cuff muscles, and tendency of humerus to shift anteriorly (anteversion of the scapula).
A. anterior shoulder dislocation
B. posterior shoulder dislocation
C. inferior shoulder dislocation
A. anterior shoulder dislocation
Brought about by the pull of gravity, and weak supraspinatus, deltoids, rotator interval capsule support, and area on the superior aspect.
A. anterior shoulder dislocation
B. posterior shoulder dislocation
C. inferior shoulder dislocation
C. inferior shoulder dislocation
A potential space between the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments; thus accounts for the weak capsular region and anterior dislocations.
Foramen of Weitbrecht
Area between the middle and inferior glenohumeral ligaments that is not a common problematic area
Foramen of Rouviere
Enumerate the components of the rotator interval capsule (RIC)
superior glenohumeral ligament, superior joint capsule, and coracohumeral ligament
Most functional activities of the shoulder happen in this shoulder motion
scaption/scapular abduction
This structure is the osteoligamentous vault over the humeral head that forms the subacromial space, suprahumeral space, or supraspinatus outlet.
Coracoacromial/Suprahumeral Arch
Note: It is 10mm in healthy subjects with an adducted arm, 5mm in arm elevation.
Enumerate the contents of the subacromial space, the region between the suprahumeral/coracoacromial arch and humeral head
- subacromial bursa
- rotator cuff tendons
- portion of tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii
Note: These structures are protected superiorly from direct trauma by the coracoacromial arch. Contact of the humeral head with the undersurface of the arch can cause painful impingement or mechanical abrasion of the structures within the subacromial space.
These bursae are very important in the shoulder complex because they separate the supraspinatus tendon and humeral head from the acromion, coracoid process, coracoacromial ligament, and deltoid muscle.
Subacromial and subdeltoid bursae
Note: The bursae are commonly continuous with each other and are collectively known as subacromial bursa.
TRUE OR FALSE: The subacromial bursa permits smooth gliding between the humerus and supraspinatus tendon and surrounding structures. Interruption or failure of this mechanism is a common cause of pain.
True
TRUE OR FALSE: The subacromial space is considered as a component of the glenohumeral joint rather than a separate joint.
True
Note: The subacromial or suprahumeral joint (or space) is also described as a functional joint which is formed by movement of the head of humerus below the coracoacromial arch.
This structure is a false joint formed by the coracoid process, acromion, coracoacromial ligament, and inferior surface of acromioclavicular joint. It acts as a physical barrier to superior translatory forces acting on the humeral head, preventing it from dislocating superiorly.
Coracoacromial/Suprahumeral Arch
Note: The coracoacromial ligament connects the acromion and coracoid process and creates the subacromial space below these structures.
This condition occurs with a narrowed subacromial space. It occurs most commonly secondary to inflammation or degeneration of the supraspinatus tendon.
Subacromial bursitis
TRUE OR FALSE: In shoulder impingement syndromes due to a narrowed subacromial space, the supraspinatus tendon (supraspinatus impingement syndrome), subacromial bursa, or long head of biceps are the ones usually impinged.
True
Note: There is no one single reason why people develop impingement syndromes, there are multiple factors involved. If the reason is anatomical, surgery is the solution.
TRUE OR FALSE: Below 60º or above 120º in relation to the painful arc of shoulder motion, the supraspinatus tendon has yet to rotate past the overlying acromion or has already rotated past it, respectively. In these ranges, the pain is minimized or decreased.
True
Note: Beyond 120º, the space is less narrowed (opening further) because the scapula moves more superiorly with clavicular elevation, which is why there is no more pain/reduces the pain for the patient.
Enumerate the 3 functional reasons for a narrowed subacromial space
- Repetitive shoulder motion (Leads to inflammation, fibrosis, and thickening of soft tissues; e.g., throwers & swimmers)
- Abnormal scapular mechanics (E.g., inadequate posterior tilting or upward rotation of the scapula)
- Poor humeral mechanics (I.e., inadequate rolling or gliding movements, excessive superior or anterior translation of humeral head)
Enumerate the 4 anatomical reasons for a narrowed subacromial space
- Shape of acromion process (a curved or hooped shape causes narrowing compared to a flat shape)
- Another object occupies the space (e.g., bony spurs or osteophytes)
- Large coracoacromial ligament (congenital)
- Disproportionately large humeral head
This muscle is the prime mover of glenohumeral flexion
Anterior deltoid
These muscles are the prime movers of glenohumeral abduction
deltoid and supraspinatus
Most vulnerable rotator cuff muscle to tensile overload and chronic overuse because it is either passively stretched or actively contracting; it also participates in humeral elevation.
Supraspinatus
It is the combination of scapular, clavicular, and humeral motion that occurs when the arm is raised either forward or to the side; including sagittal plane flexion, frontal plane abduction, and all the motions in between.
Elevation