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Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
Kinematic analysis of scapulothoracic movements in the shoulder girdle: a whole cadaver study
Ian Peeters1, Thomas Braeckevelt1, Tanneke Palmans2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Background:
Existing kinematic studies of the shoulder girdle focus on humerothoracic movements. Isolated scapulothoracic movements are also performed during daily activities and rehabilitation but kinematic values are lacking.
Methods:
A kinematic analysis was performed in 14 cadaveric shoulders during protraction, retraction, and shrug. An optical navigation system was used to analyze sternoclavicular, scapulothoracic, and acromioclavicular motions.
Results:
In the sternoclavicular joint, shrug and retraction caused a posterior clavicular rotation of 5° (standard deviation [SD] 6°) and 3° (SD 2°), while protraction induced an anterior rotation of 3° (SD 2°). Shrug caused a large clavicular elevation of 25° (SD 5°). Shrug and retraction caused an increase in retraction of 17° (SD 5°) and 9° (SD 2°). Protraction induced an increase of 10° (SD 2°) toward protraction. In the scapulothoracic joint, shrug induced an increase of 3° (SD 2°) in anterior scapular tilt, and a lateral rotation of 26° (SD 4°). Retraction caused a lateral rotation of 4° (SD 3°). Protraction caused an increase of 7° (SD 2°) in the scapular protraction position, while shrug and retraction demonstrated a decrease of 9° (SD 2°) and 6° (SD 5°). In the acromioclavicular joint, posterior tilting of the scapula compared to the clavicle increased 23° (SD 6°) during shrug, while during protraction an increase of only 4° (SD 3°) was seen. During shrug, relative lateral rotation increased 13° (SD 4°). The protraction movement decreased the relative protraction position with 3° (SD 2°).
Conclusion:
This study provided normative kinematic values of scapulothoracic movements in the shoulder girdle.
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