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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
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Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
Motion of the shoulder complex during multiplanar humeral elevation
Paula M Ludewig1, Vandana Phadke, Jonathan P Braman
1Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. ludew001@umn.edu
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|February 3, 2009
Summary
This study reveals that shoulder complex motion during arm elevation involves coordinated rotations across the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic, and glenohumeral joints. These movements are crucial for achieving overhead arm positions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Anatomy
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Previous research on shoulder motion lacks comprehensive 3D analysis of the entire shoulder complex during arm elevation.
- Understanding the integrated movement of the clavicle, scapula, and humerus is essential for diagnosing and treating shoulder pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and compare the dynamic 3D motion of the shoulder complex during arm elevation and depression.
- To analyze shoulder joint kinematics across three distinct arm elevation planes: flexion, scapular plane abduction, and coronal plane abduction.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy subjects underwent 3D motion analysis using electromagnetic sensors fixed to the clavicle, scapula, and humerus.
- Subjects performed raising and lowering of the arm in three planes of motion.
- Calculated 3D angles for sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic, and glenohumeral joint movements.
Main Results:
- Observed patterns included clavicular elevation, retraction, and posterior axial rotation; scapular internal rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilting; and glenohumeral elevation and external rotation.
- Predominant sternoclavicular motion was clavicular posterior rotation (31°), and predominant acromioclavicular motion was scapular posterior tilting (19°).
- The glenohumeral joint exhibited the largest plane of elevation differences between flexion and abduction (46°).
Conclusions:
- Overhead arm elevation is facilitated by significant angular rotations at all four major shoulder joints.
- The coordinated interaction between the clavicle, scapula, and humerus is fundamental for achieving full shoulder range of motion.
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