Assessment of the glenohumeral joint's active and passive axial rotational range

Abstract

11Background: Assessment of the range of axial rotation of the Glenohumeral joint will

Shoulder Bone Geometry Affects the Active and Passive Axial Rotational Range of the Glenohumeral Joint

“…The scapular plane was defined as 30° anterior to the coronal plane, measured with a goniometer, and the elevation angle was measured with an inclinometer (SignalQuest Inc). The protocol used to collect kinematic data has been presented, 15 and the experimental setup is shown in Figure 1. In short, participants were seated in a restraint chair, and the position of the arm was maintained with a tripod and splint.…”

“…During passive rotation, a torque was applied in a controlled way and monitored at the distal humerus with a transducer (Applied Measurement Ltd); the maximum passive range corresponded to a torque of 4 N·m in the internal and external directions. With this setup, variation in maximum internal and external rotation attributed to experimental factors was minimized 15 ; however, as the participant was seated, maximum internal rotation could not be achieved at 60° of elevation in the sagittal plane.…”

“…The maximum internal and external rotation of the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) varies among individuals and is dependent on the elevation angle and elevation plane of the humerus. 15 The range of axial rotation is reduced at higher humerothoracic elevations and in the sagittal plane as compared with the coronal and scapular planes and is shown to be greater during passive rotations than active movement. 15 Previous studies have demonstrated that the range of motion of the GHJ is affected by ligamentous and muscular constraints 11,17,27 and can be compromised by injury and disease.…”

“…15 The range of axial rotation is reduced at higher humerothoracic elevations and in the sagittal plane as compared with the coronal and scapular planes and is shown to be greater during passive rotations than active movement. 15 Previous studies have demonstrated that the range of motion of the GHJ is affected by ligamentous and muscular constraints 11,17,27 and can be compromised by injury and disease. 9 There is also some limited evidence that the range of motion of the joint is restricted by the collision 20 and shape of bones that form the articulation.…”

“…Differences in the axial range of motion are thought to be influenced by the conformity of the GHJ during active axial rotation, when the joint is compressed, and by the shape of the humeral tuberosity and acromion during passive axial rotation after translation of the humeral head. 15…”