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| Shoulder The shoulder joint actually is comprised of many joints: Collar bone (Clavicle) to breast bone, Acromion to collar bone (AC joint), Ball of humerus (arm bone) to socket of shoulder blade (Gleno-Humeral joint), Shoulder blade (scapula) rotating against the chest (Scapulothoracic motion), but the main joint to which most people refer is the first one, between the head of the humerus and the joint socket (glenoid) part of the scapula. The ball is held in the socket by a cuff of tendons, referred to as the rotator cuff. Here are some anatomical illustrations borrowed from ortho.hyperguides.com: Sometimes when the rotator cuff tendons are pinched by the underside of the acromion (part of the scapula), rotator cuff tendonitis can occur. This condition is also referred to as impingement syndrome, as the tendons are impinged between the bones. When the rotator cuff tendons are rubbed more, a tear can occur. These tears are not uncommon in patients who could not recall any specific trauma to their shoulder, as these tears can occur more as a gradual "wear and tear" type of process...literally with a tear.  Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the ball gets stuck to the joint, thereby making the patient rely more on the other parts of the shoulder joint for any motions, like the shoulder blade moving against the chest. This condition is usually treated by aggressive therapy and takes many months to get better. | |
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