Acromioclavicular Joint Anatomy and Biomechanics: The Significance of Posterior Rotational and Translational Stability

Clin Sports Med. 2023 Oct;42(4):557-571. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2023.05.002. Epub 2023 Jul 1.

Abstract

The shoulder girdle extends from the sternoclavicular joint to the scapular stabilizing muscles posteriorly. It consists of 3 joints and 2 mobile regions. The shoulder girdle is statically stabilized by the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular capsuloligamentous structures and dynamically stabilized by the trapezius, deltoid, and deltotrapezial fascia. During humerothoracic elevation, the clavicle elevates, protracts, and rotates posteriorly through the sternoclavicular joint while the scapula tilts posteriorly and rotates upward. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy and biomechanics of the acromioclavicular joint and the shoulder girdle.

Keywords: Acromioclavicular joint; Biomechanics; Conoid; Coracoclavicular ligaments; Posterior rotation; Trapezoid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acromioclavicular Joint*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Clavicle
  • Humans
  • Muscles
  • Upper Extremity