Glenohumeral Joint
Description[edit | edit source]
The glenohumeral (GH) joint is a true synovial ball-and-socket style joint that is responsible for connecting the upper extremity to the trunk. It is one of four joints that comprise the shoulder complex. This joint is formed from the combination of the humeral head and the glenoid fossa of the scapula. This joint is considered to have both high mobility and low stability.
Motions Available[edit | edit source]
- Abduction: elevation of the humerus on the glenoid in the frontal (coronal) plane.
- Flexion: upward movement of the humerus on the glenoid in the sagittal plane towards the front of the body.
- Extension: upward movemement of the humerus on the glenoid in the sagittal plane towards the rear of the body.
- Internal Rotation: rotation of the humerus on the glenoid in a medial direction.
- External Rotation: rotation of the humerus on the glenoid in a lateral direction.
- Scaption: elevation of the humerus on the glenoid in the scapular plane, which is midway between the coronal and sagittal planes.
- Horizontal Adduction: movement of the humerus on the glenoid in a medial direction, usually accompanied with some degree of shoulder flexion.
