ABSTRACT
The shoulder demonstrates the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. Complex biomechanical principles control its multiplanar range of movement. Understanding the biomechanics is essential in order to contend with the treatment of these conditions and the challenge of design and development of joint replacement prostheses. The shoulder is a complex of three articular joints and two physiological joints. The humerus is composed of the head, neck (surgical and anatomical) and the shaft. The clavicle functions as a strut suspending the glenohumeral (GHJ), maintaining the lateral position of the shoulder and providing important muscular attachments. Scapulothoracic dynamics are important factors in assessing a painful shoulder and it is important to define the relationship between glenohumeral and scapulothoracic movements, and identify any scapulothoracic dyskinesia. The principal role of the elbow is to provide a functional link between the shoulder and the hand in order to place the hand in space.
