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Influence of age on scapulo-thoracic orientation
Kenji Endo1, Kiminori Yukata, Natsuo Yasui
1Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, The University of Tokushima, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan. endoken@clin.med.tokushima-u.ac.jp
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|November 9, 2004
Summary
Aging significantly alters shoulder mechanics, decreasing scapular posterior tilt and upward rotation. These changes mimic shoulder impingement syndrome, impacting overall shoulder function in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Scapular motion is essential for normal shoulder function.
- Age-related muscle decline can lead to shoulder impingement syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between aging and scapulo-thoracic orientation.
- To evaluate age-related changes in scapular orientation during shoulder abduction.
Main Methods:
- 44 healthy subjects (23 men, 21 women; age 16-73) were enrolled.
- Static anteroposterior radiography was performed at 0 and 90 degrees of shoulder abduction.
- Pearson's correlation coefficient tested the association between age and scapular orientation.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between aging and scapular orientations.
- Posterior tilt decreased with age at 0 and 90 degrees abduction.
- Upward rotation angle also decreased with age at 90 degrees abduction.
Conclusions:
- Shoulder aging is closely linked to altered scapular orientation, specifically reduced posterior tilt and upward rotation.
- These age-related kinematic changes resemble those seen in shoulder impingement syndrome.
- Understanding these alterations is crucial for evaluating the effects of aging on shoulder function.