The function of the clavicle on scapular motion: a cadaveric study

Hypothesis The clavicle serves as a strut between the thorax and scapula, and lack of this function could affect shoulder mobility. We hypothesized that clavicular discontinuity changes shoulder kinematics, particularly affecting scapular motion. Materials and methods The study used 14 cadaveric sho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery 2013-03, Vol.22 (3), p.333-339
Main Authors: Matsumura, Noboru, MD, PhD, Nakamichi, Noriaki, MD, Ikegami, Hiroyasu, MD, PhD, Nagura, Takeo, MD, PhD, Imanishi, Nobuaki, MD, PhD, Aiso, Sadakazu, MD, PhD, Toyama, Yoshiaki, MD, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cadaver
Clavicle - physiology
Female
Humans
Humerus - physiology
Male
Motion
Orthopedics
Rotation
Scapula - physiology
Thorax - physiology
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Summary:Hypothesis The clavicle serves as a strut between the thorax and scapula, and lack of this function could affect shoulder mobility. We hypothesized that clavicular discontinuity changes shoulder kinematics, particularly affecting scapular motion. Materials and methods The study used 14 cadaveric shoulders. Cadavers were stabilized in the sitting position. Manual elevation in the sagittal, scapular, and coronal planes was performed in the intact and clavicular discontinuity models. The thorax-scapula distance and 3-dimensional scapular motion during shoulder elevation were recorded using an electromagnetic tracking device. The differences between the 2 experimental models at each position were analyzed. Results Clavicular discontinuity resulted in a decreased thorax-scapula distance and in reduced external rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilting of the scapula. The kinematic changes were observed during elevations in all 3 planes but were greatest in the sagittal plane compared with the scapular and coronal planes. Conclusions The findings of this study revealed that discontinuity of the clavicle affects shoulder kinematics. Because of its anatomic shape and position, the clavicle stabilizes the external, upward, and posterior rotation of the scapula during arm movement. This function of the clavicle may assist glenohumeral joint motion and help prevent subacromial impingement.
ISSN:1058-2746
1532-6500
DOI:10.1016/j.jse.2012.02.006