The motion of the arm in relation to the body takes place at two articulations, the glenohumeral joint and the scapulothoracic joint.
Between the scapulae & thorax, a significant portion of the body is located.
The overall motion of the humerothoracic joint is the resultant of a combination between humeroscapular movement (also known by the name glenohumeral action) and scapulothoracic mobility.
When surgeons and patients think of “shoulder issues”, they often focus on glenohumeral – the articulation that occurs between the shoulder blade socket (glenoid), and the humeral heads. Physical examinations, plain x rays and MRIs are all easy ways to evaluate these areas.
The articulation of your shoulder blade against the chest wall, the scapulothoracic joints, is a major factor in shoulder function. The area is hard to see with a shirt on, and is not easy to assess with an x-ray. On the one hand, impaired scapulothoracic functions can compromise overall…
