Shoulder Muscle and Joint Interaction Flashcards
2 functional muscle categories of the shoulder complex
Proximal stabilizers
Distal mobilizers
Where do proximal stabilizers originate and insert?
On the spine, ribs, and cranium and insert on the scapula and clavicle
Examples of proximal shoulder stabilizers
Serratus anterior and trapezius for example
Where do distal stabilizers originate and insert?
Originate on the scapula and clavicle and insert on the humerus or forearm
Examples of distal shoulder stabilizers
Deltoid and biceps brachii
In order for the shoulder complex to function optimally, what must occur?
There must be an interaction between the proximal stabilizers and distal mobilizers
Give an example of how the proximal and distal stabilizers interact to increase shoulder function
In order for the deltoid to generate effective abduction torque at the GH joint, the scapula must be firmly stabilized against the thorax by the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles. If the serratus anterior is paralyzed the deltoid muscle is unable to express its full abduction function
How are muscles of the ST joint categorized? (examples)
According to their actions
- elevators or depressors
- protractors or retractors
- upward and downward rotators
3 primary elevators at the ST joint
- Upper trapezius
- Levator scapulae
- Rhomboids
4 primary depressors at the ST joint
- Lower trapezius
- Latissimus dorsi
- Pectoralis minor
- Subclavius
Primary protractor at the ST joint
- serratus anterior
3 primary retractors at the ST joint
- Middle trapezius
- Rhomboids
- Lower trapezius
2 primary upward rotators of the ST joint
- Serratus anterior
- Upper and lower trapezius
2 primary downward rotators of the ST joint
- Rhomboids
- Pectoralis minor
Functionally, what do the shoulder elevators do?
Support posture of shoulder girdle (scapula and clavicle) and upper extremity
ideal posture of shoulder girdle incorporates slightly _____ and relatively _____ scapula, with glenoid fossa facing slightly ____.
elevated
retracted
upward
Long-term paralysis of the upper trapezius may lead what pathology at the GH joint and why?
inferior dislocation (or subluxation) of GH joint
The glenoid fossa loses its upwardly rotated position which allows the humerus to slide inferiorly. This coupled with the downward pull of gravity may strain the GH capsular ligaments leading to irreversible dislocation. Someone with flaccid hemiplegia may need a sling
People with functional impairments at the ST joint may lead to what?
Scapulae slightly depressed, downwardly rotated, and protracted
While the lower trapezius and pec minor act directly on the scapula, the latissimus dorsi depresses the shoulder girdle indirectly how?
It pulls the humerus inferiorly
Why is the serratus anterior the prime protractor at the STJ?
It has excellent leverage for protraction around the sternoclavicular joint’s vertical axis of rotation
Persons with serratus anterior weakness have difficulty doing what?
Performing forward pushing motions
Describe which muscles are at work during a standard prone push up
The early phase of the push-up is performed primarily by triceps and pectoral musculature. But, after the elbows are completely extended, the chest can be raised farther from the floor by deliberate protraction of both scapulas (serratus anterior contraction)
The serratus anterior is primarily responsible for ST protraction, however it also assists with ST depression, why?
The SA fibers attaching near the inferior angle may assist with scapulothoracic depression
The strength of the protraction force is primarily the result of what?
Muscle force multiplied by the internal moment arm originating at vertical axis of rotation at the SC joint
Of the 3 primary retractors of the ST joint, which one produces the most retracting force and why?
The middle trapezius has an optimal line of force to retract the scapula.
In what direction is the line of force for the rhomboids and lower trapezius (secondary retractors)
The rhomboids elevate, whereas the lower trapezius depresses, but when they work together they yield a single retraction force
The retractor muscles are active during what type of activities?
pulling activities such as climbing and rowing
What occurs if there is complete paralysis of retractors (primarily the trapezius)?
There is a significant reduction in the retraction potential of the scapula which results in the scapula tending to “drift” slightly into protraction as result of partially unopposed protraction action of serratus anterior muscle
Elevation of the arm is performed by what 3 groups of muscles?
1) muscles that elevate (i.e., abduct or flex) humerus at GH joint
2) scapular muscles that control upward rotation of scapulothoracic joint
3) rotator cuff muscles that control dynamic stability and arthrokinematics at GH joint
4 GH joint muscles that are primarily responsible for arm elevation
- Anterior and middle deltoid
- Supraspinatus
- Coracobrachialis
- Biceps (long head)
- First 2 abduct
- anterior deltoid and last 2 flex
During flexion, where does the internal moment arm intersect?
The line of force of the anterior deltoid
When do the middle deltoid and supraspinatus muscles reach their maximum level during elevation?
near 90° of abduction
Is abduction possible with deltoid paralysis?
Yes, the supraspinatus is capable of fully abducting the GH joint, although abduction torque reduced
Is abduction possible with supraspinatus paralysis or tendon ruputre?
No, because there is altered arthrokinematics at GH joint