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HomeIntroductionMotionStabilityStrengthSmoothnessa. Smooth joint surfacesb. Humeroscapular motion interface

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Mechanics of Glenohumeral Arthritis.

Last updated Thursday, January 27, 2005

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Figure 44
Figure 44

Smoothness

The anatomic requisites of smooth motion are:

a. Smooth joint surfaces

In the normal shoulder, intact articular cartilage covering the humeral head and glenoid lubricated with normal joint fluid provide the lowest possible resistance to motion at the joint surface. In arthritis, these factors are compromised. Although prosthetic joint surfaces offer much less friction than bone rubbing on bone, they have a coefficient of friction approximately ten times greater than that of normal cartilage moving on normal cartilage.

b. Humeroscapular motion interface

A smooth and unimpaired humeroscapular motion interface. The proximal humerus and rotator cuff must slide smoothly beneath the deltoid, acromion, coracoacromial ligament, coracoid and coracoid muscles (see figure 44). Smoothness of the humeroscapular motion interface is often compromised in post surgical and posttraumtic arthritis. The surfaces of this important interface must glide smoothly on each other at the conclusion of the arthroplasty procedure.

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.


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