Shoulder Anatomy and Biomechanics

Abstract

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body with the broadest range of motion. It is inherently unstable and therefore requires support by both bony and soft tissue structures. While the majority of shoulder anatomy and mechanics are similar between females and males, the female glenoid is smaller and slightly more anteverted. Although the shoulder is often thought of as the glenohumeral joint, there are many other articulations that are important in shoulder motion, including the scapulothoracic joint, the acromioclavicular joint, and the sternoclavicular joint.