Restricted scapular mobility during arm abduction : Implications for impingement syndrome

Atalar H., Yilmaz C., POLAT O., Selek H., Uras I., Yanik B.

ACTA ORTHOPAEDICA BELGICA, vol.75, no.1, pp.19-24, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 75 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Journal Name: ACTA ORTHOPAEDICA BELGICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.19-24
  • Keywords: medical imaging, scapula, shoulder, subacromial impingement syndrome, SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT, 3-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS, CORACOID IMPINGEMENT, SUBACROMIAL SPACE, MUSCLE FATIGUE, KINEMATICS, SYMPTOMS, PATTERNS, PEOPLE
  • Gazi University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Scapular mobility plays a central role in normal shoulder function, and alterations in scapular mobility have been suggested as a factor in impingement syndrome. We therefore measured the effect of restricted scapular mobility during arm abduction on acromiohumeral and coracohumeral distances. For the control measurements, healthy volunteers (n = 10, all male, age range 25-35 years) underwent multislice computed tomography in a supine position, with the humerus actively maintained in the scapular plane at 45 degrees internal rotation and 60, 90 or 120 degrees abduction. To restrict scapular mobility a custom-made brace was then placed on each volunteer and fastened firmly with bandages, and the measurements were repeated. From the three-dimensional images the acromiohumeral and coracohumeral distances were measured. With the humerus in 90 degrees abduction, the acromiohumeral distance was significantly reduced (Student's t test). This result suggests that impingement syndrome may have a functional component.