Shoulder Anatomy

An overview of the anatomy of the shoulder:

The shoulder joint is one of the most complex joints of the body and is known as a ball and socket joint. The head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is shaped like a ball that fits perfectly into a cup-like socket created by the shoulder blade (scapula), collarbone (clavicle) and other tissues of the shoulder. This structure of the shoulder anatomy allows it to have the largest range of motion of joint in the body. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who need an experienced doctor to diagnose and treat a shoulder condition.

What creates the shoulder joint?

Bones of the shoulder:

The shoulder is created by several important bones:

• The humerus, or upper arm bone, connects the arm to the trunk of the body by fitting into the glenoid cavity (shoulder socket). This connection point is the part of the shoulder anatomy that is responsible for the large range of motion.
• The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a large flat bone with many processes that serve as attachment points for other components in the shoulder including:
  • Acromion process: A bony projection on the edge of the shoulder.
  • Coracoid process: A hook-like projection on the front of the scapula
  • Spine: a long projection that spans across the back of the scapula
• The clavicle, or the collarbone, connects the shoulder to the trunk of the body. It has a unique “S” shape that provides stability for the shoulder.

Joints within the shoulder:

There are three important joints in the shoulder anatomy that are found at the connection points between the bones including:

• Glenohumeral joint: This is the main joint of the shoulder and is formed between the head of the humerus and the scapula. This joint provides the most movement of the shoulder.
• Acromioclavicular joint: This is the joint between the acromion process of the scapula and the clavicle and is found at the top of the shoulder.
• Sternoclavicular joint: This is the joint between the sternum (breastbone) and the clavicle and helps to stabilize the shoulder by securing it to the trunk of the body.

Ligaments and Tendons:

There are numerous ligaments that play an important role in the shoulder by connecting and holding bones together. Tendons are an important part of the shoulder anatomy because they connect muscles to the bones of this joint. An important group of tendons is the rotator cuff, which is composed of tendons that connect to the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles to the bones of the shoulder. These muscles provide crucial stability to the shoulder and help to initiate shoulder movements.

Cartilage of the Shoulder:

Cartilage is an important structure found at the ends of the bones of the shoulder. This tissue provides a smooth, frictionless surface for the bones to glide across during movement of the shoulder. The labrum is an important piece of soft cartilage within the glenohumeral joint of the shoulder anatomy that stabilizes the joint and ensures that the humerus stays securely within the joint.

Dr. Lamplot treats these common shoulder conditions:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Shoulder impingement
• Dislocated Shoulder
• Shoulder Instability
• Biceps Tendon Injuries
• Biceps Tendonitis
• Frozen Shoulder
• Arthritis of the Shoulder
• AC Joint Injuries
• Fractures
• Bursitis
• SC Joint Injury