Shoulder

The shoulder complex is built for mobility; however, this ability to move comes with the designation of being the most unstable joint in the body. The shoulder is composed of three osseous joints and one articulation, with stability provided by muscles, ligaments, the glenoid labrum, and joint capsule.

Joint and Bone

Common injuries of the shoulder joints include:

• Shoulder osteoarthritis
• Humeral fractures
• Shoulder dislocation
• Shoulder subluxation
• Shoulder impingement
• Acromioclavicular arthritis

Muscles

Common injuries to the muscles surrounding the shoulder include:

• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Bicep tendonitis
• Shoulder impingement
• Calcific tendonitis
• Rotator cuff tear

Ligaments and Labrum

Common injuries to these soft tissue structures include:

• Adhesive capsulitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder dislocation
• Shoulder instability
• Torn labrum or labral tear

Bursa

A burse is a fluid-filled sac that decreases friction between two tissues. The burse can become inflamed causing shoulder bursitis and shoulder impingement.