Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of Shoulder Instability

Clin Sports Med. 2024 Oct;43(4):547-565. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2024.03.016. Epub 2024 May 3.

Abstract

The glenohumeral joint is the least congruent and least constrained joint with a complex relationship of static and dynamic stabilizers to balance its native mobility with functional stability. In the young athlete, anterior shoulder instability is multifactorial and can be a challenge to treat, requiring a patient-specific treatment approach. Surgical decision-making must consider patient-specific factors such as age, sport activity and level, underlying ligamentous laxity, and goals for return to activity, in addition to careful scrutiny of the underlying pathology to include humeral and glenoid bone loss and surrounding scapular bone morphology.

Keywords: Biomechanics; Functional anatomy; Glenohumeral joint; Stability.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability* / physiopathology
  • Return to Sport
  • Shoulder Joint* / anatomy & histology
  • Shoulder Joint* / physiology
  • Shoulder Joint* / physiopathology