Glenohumeral Joint - Movements

Movements

The glenoid fossa is shallow and contains the glenoid labrum which deepens it and aids in stability. With 120 degrees of unassisted flexion, the glenohumeral joint is the most mobile joint in the body.

Scapulohumeral rhythm helps to achieve further range of movement. The Scapulohumeral rhythm is the movement of the scapula across the thoracic cage in relation to the humerus. This movement can be compromised by anything that changes the position of the scapula. This could be an imbalance in the muscles that hold the scapula in place which are the upper and lower trapezium. This imbalance could cause a forward head carriage which in turn can affect the range of movements of the shoulder.

The rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder produce a high tensile force, and help to pull the head of the humerus into the glenoid fossa.

Movements of the shoulder joint
Movement Muscles Origin Insertion
Flexion
(150°–170°)
Anterior fibers of deltoid Clavicle Middle of lateral surface of shaft of humerus
Clavicular part of pectoralis major Clavicle Lateral lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Long head of biceps brachii Supraglenoid tubercle of scapula Tuberosity of radius, Deep fascia of forearm
Short head of biceps brachii Coracoid process of scapula
Coracobrachialis Coracoid process Medial aspect of shaft of humerus
Extension
(40°)
Posterior fibers of deltoid Spine of scapula Middle of lateral surface of shaft of humerus
Latissimus dorsi Iliac crest, lumbar fascia, spines of lower six thoracic vertebrae, lower 3–4 ribs, inferior angle of scapula Floor of bicipital groove of humerus
Teres major Lateral border of scapula Medial lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Abduction
(160°–180°)
Middle fibers of deltoid Acromion process of scapula Middle of lateral surface of shaft of humerus
Supraspinatus Supraspinous fossa of scapula Greater tuberosity of humerus
Adduction
(30°–40°)
Sternal part of pectoralis major Sternum, upper six costal cartilages Lateral lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Latissimus dorsi Iliac crest, lumbar fascia, spines of lower six thoracic vertebrae, lower 3-4 ribs, inferior angle of scapula Floor of bicipital groove of humerus
Teres major Lower third of lateral border of scapula Medial lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Teres minor Upper two thirds of lateral border of scapula Greater tuberosity of humerus
Lateral rotation
(in abduction: 95°;
in adduction: 70°)
Infraspinatus Infraspinous fossa of scapula Greater tuberosity of humerus
Teres minor Upper two thirds of lateral border of scapula Greater tuberosity of humerus
Posterior fibers of deltoid Spine of scapula Middle of lateral surface of shaft of humerus
Medial rotation
(in abduction: 40°–50°;
in adduction: 70°)
Subscapularis Subscapular fossa Lesser tuberosity of humerus
Latissimus dorsi Iliac crest, lumbar fascia, spines of lower 3-4 ribs, inferior angle of scapula Floor of bicipital groove of humerus
Teres major Lower third of lateral border of scapula Medial lip of bicipital groove of humerus
Anterior fibers of deltoid Clavicle Middle of lateral surface of shaft of humerus

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