Shoulder (Mucular View)

Shoulder Joint Overview

The shoulder is made up of two separate joints - the glenohumeral or shoulder joint which is formed by the articulation of the rounded head of the humerus or upper arm bone into a cup-like depression of the scapula called the glenoid fossa. The acromioclavicular joint is formed by an articulation of the lateral clavicle with the acromion process of the scapula. Although both of these joints are held together by extensive ligament and muscle attachments, certain types of forces can weaken the shoulder easily. The shoulder joint is vulnerable to dislocations from sudden jerks of the arm, especially in children before strong muscles have developed. Because of the weakness of this joint in children, parents should be careful not to force a child to follow them by yanking on their arm. Dislocation of the shoulder is extremely painful and may require surgical repair or even cause permanent damage.