Scapulohumeral Rhythm

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Introduction[edit | edit source]

Optimal function of the shoulder is reliant on the coordinated movement of the scapula and the humerus. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title Various studies of the mechanism of the shoulder joint have attempted to describe the global motion capacity of the shoulder and explain the complex interactions between components involved in placing the hand in space.[1] [2] Specifically, the kinematic interaction between the scapula and the humerus was introduced in the 1930s and termed "scapula-humeral rhythm” by Codman.[3]


Inman, Saunders and Abbott were the first to measure scapulohumeral rhythm (also referred to as Glenohumeral-GH Rhythm) using radiography and suggested what became the widely accepted 2:1 ratio between glenohumeral elevation and scapulothoracic (ST) upward rotation (SUR).[4] Since then imaging modalities (X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging)[5], cinematography [6], goniometry [7] [8] [9], and more recently 3-dimensional tracking systems [10] [11][12]have been used to gain a better appreciation of shoulder kinematics.

Description[edit | edit source]

The scapula on the thorax contributes to elevation (flexion and abduction) of the humerus by upwardly rotating the glenoid fossa 50° to 60° from its resting position.[13] If the humerus were fixed to the fossa, this alone would result in up to 60° of elevation of the humerus. The humerus, of course, is not fixed but can move independently on the glenoid fossa.

The overall ratio of 2of GH to 1of ST motion during arm elevation is commonly used, and the combination of concomitant GH and ST motion most commonly referred to as scapulo-humeral rhythm. According to the 2-to-1 ratio frame-work, flexion or abduction of 90 in relation to the thorax would be accomplished through approximately 60of GH and 30of ST motion. Thus, 

  • The GH joint contributes 100° to 120° of flexion and 90° to 120° of abduction.
  • The combination of scapular and humeral movement results in a maximum range of elevation of 150° to 180°.[14] [15]





Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]

Observation and examination of the scapulohumeal rhythm is commonly performed by physical therapists during postural and shoulder examinations. The notion of a proper "rhythm" is routinely used to describe the quality of movement at the shoulder complex.[16]

  • Alterations in scapular position and control afforded by the scapula stabilizing muscles are believed to disrupt stability and function of the glenohumeral joint Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title [17] [18], thereby contributing to shoulder impingement, rotator cuff pathology and shoulder instability.[19]
  • Given the role of the scapula in shoulder function, the ability to monitor the coordinated motion of the scapula and humerus, or scapulohumeral rhythm,[20] [21] may have clinical implications when dealing with overhead athletes and patients with shoulder pathologies.


Variations In Scapulohumeral Rhythm[edit | edit source]

  • Some of the variability in ranges reported by investigators is due to individual structural variations (especially for the GH joint); another factor in variability may be the extent to which trunk contributions were isolated from humeral motions during the measurement.
  • It must also be recognized, however, that elevation of the arm is often accompanied not only by elevation of the humerus but also by lateral rotation of the humerus in relation to the scapula.
  • During abduction of the humerus in the plane of the scapula, an average of 43° of lateral rotation from the resting position has been reported, with peak lateral rotation generally occurring between 90° and 120° of humeral elevation. [22]
  • During the initial 60of flexion or the initial 30° of abduction of the humerus, Inman and coworkers reported an inconsistent amount and type of scapular motion in relation to GH motion. [23]
  • The scapula has been described as seeking a position of stability in relation to the humerus during this period (setting phase). [24]
  • In this early phase, motion occurs primarily at the GH joint, although stressing the arm may increase the scapular contribution. [25]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Cathcart CW: Movements of the shouLder girdle involved in those of the arm on the trunk. J Anat Physiol 1884; 18:209-218
  2. ↑ Cleland J: A lecture on the shoulder girdle and its movements. Lancet 1881;1:11-12.
  3. ↑ Codman EA: The Shoulder,Boston: G.Miller &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Company,1934
  4. ↑ Inman VT, Saunders JB, Abbott LC. Observations of the function of the shoulder joint. 1944. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1996; 330: 3-12
  5. ↑ Poppen NK, Walker PS. Normal and abnormal motion of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1976;58: 195-201
  6. ↑ Bagg SD, Forrest WJ. A biomechanical analysis of scapular rotation during arm abduction in the scapular plane. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 1988; 67: 238-245
  7. ↑ Doody SG, Freedman L, Waterland JC. Shoulder movements during abduction in the scapular plane. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1970; 51: 595-604
  8. ↑ Doody SG, Waterland JC, Freedman L. Scapulo-humeral goniometer. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1970; 51:711-713
  9. ↑ Johnson MP, McClure PW, Karduna AR. New method to assess scapular upward rotation in subjects with shoulder pathology. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2001;31: 81-89
  10. ↑ An KN, Browne AO, Korinek S, Tanaka S, Morrey BF. Three-dimensional kinematics of glenohumeral elevation. J Orthop Res 1991; 9: 143-149
  11. ↑ Johnson G, Stuart P, Mitchell S. A method for the measure-ment of three-dimensional scapular movement. Clin Biomech 1993; 8: 269-273
  12. ↑ Meskers CG, Fraterman H, van der Helm FC, Vermeulen HM, Rozing PM. Calibration of the “Flock of Birds” elec-tromagnetic tracking device and its application in shoulder motion studies. J Biomech 1999; 32: 629-633
  13. ↑ McClure P: Direct 3-dimensional measurement of scapular kinematics during dynamic movements in vivo.J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2001;10:269–277.
  14. ↑ Rundquist P, Anderson DD, Guanche CA, et al. Shoulder kinematics in subjects with frozen shoulder. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003; 84:1473–1479.
  15. ↑ Barnes CJ, Van Steyn SJ, Fischer RA: The effects of age, sex, and shoulder dominance on range of motion of the shoulder. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2001; 10:242–246.
  16. ↑ McQuade KJ,Smidt GI. Dynamic Scapulohumeral Rhythm: The Effects of External Resistance During Elevation of the Arm in the Scapular Plane. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1998; 27(2): 125
  17. ↑ Itoi E. Scapular inclination and inferior stability of the shoulder. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 1992;1:131-139
  18. ↑ Weiser WM, Lee TQ, McMaster WC, McMahon PJ. Effects of simulated scapular protraction on anterior glenohumeral stability. Am J Sports Med 1999; 27: 801-805
  19. ↑ Ludewig PM, Reynolds JF. The association of scapular kinematics and glenohumeral joint pathologies. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009;39: 90-104
  20. ↑ Codman E. Chapter II: Normal motions of the shoulder.Boston, MA 1934, 32-63
  21. ↑ Lockhart RD. Movements of the Normal Shoulder Joint and of a case with Trapezius Paralysis studied by Radiogram and Experiment in the Living. J Anat 1930; 64: 288-302
  22. ↑ Ludewig P, Cook T: Alterations in shoulder kine-matics and associated muscle activity in people with symptoms of shoulder impingement. Phys Ther 2000; 80:276–291.
  23. ↑ Inman B, Saunders J, Abbott L: Observations of function of the shoulder joint. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2004; 26:1.
  24. ↑ Dvir Z, Berme N: The shoulder complex in elevation of the arm: A mechanism approach. J Biomech 1978; 1:219
  25. ↑ Doody S, Waterland J: Shoulder movements during abduction in the scapular plane. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1970; 51:595.


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