Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Translations of the humerus in persons with shoulder impingement symptoms
Paula M Ludewig1, Thomas M Cook
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. ludew001@umn.edu
Study Design:
Two-group mixed-model analysis of covariance and correlation analysis.
Objectives:
To determine whether differences in humeral translations exist between patients with shoulder impingement symptoms and an asymptomatic comparison group, and if so, to determine if shoulder range-of-motion (ROM) measures are associated with abnormal translations.
Background:
Abnormal translations of the humeral head are believed to reduce the available subacromial space and to contribute to the development or progression of shoulder impingement symptoms. These abnormal translations have also been theorized to be related to tightness of the posterior capsule and decreased shoulder ROM.
Methods And Measures:
Three-dimensional humeral translations were tracked in symptomatic construction workers and an asymptomatic comparison group while elevating the arm in the scapular plane under no-load, 2.3-kg, and 4.6-kg hand-load conditions. Between-group comparisons were made across 3 phases of motion (30 degrees-60 degrees, 60 degrees-90 degrees, and 90 degrees-120 degrees) and the association between humeral translations and cross-body adduction and shoulder internal rotation ROM measures were determined by Pearson correlation analysis.
Results:
Persons with shoulder symptoms demonstrated small but significant changes in anterior-posterior translations of the humerus. These changes for the 90 degrees-120 degrees phase of humeral elevation were moderately negatively associated with available cross-body adduction ROM.
Conclusions:
The identified kinematic deviations are consistent with possible reductions of the subacromial space. Further study of relationships between posterior capsule tightness, rotator cuff function, and abnormal humeral translations is warranted to better delineate underlying kinematic mechanisms that may contribute to shoulder impingement symptoms and to refine rehabilitation techniques.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Muscles that Move the Arm
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Muscles that Move the Forearm
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Muscle Coordination and Action
Agonists
Agonist muscles, often called prime movers, are the primary muscles responsible for producing a specific movement.
