Shoulder anatomy
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. Because of this mobility, it is at risk for injury or degenerative problems. The bones of the shoulder are the humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collar bone), and scapula (shoulder blade). The head of the humerus bone (the ball) is lined with cartilage that glides over the shoulder socket (also known as the "glenoid cavity"). The clavicle attaches the shoulder to the rib cage and holds the shoulder out from the body. The scapula is a large triangular bone located on the back side of the upper body, and it is connected to the clavicle through the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.
In the shoulder socket, the humerus sits like a golf ball on a tee, supported by a complicated arrangement of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that attaches four shoulder muscles to the upper arm. These tendons help keep the humerus bone in place within its shallow socket and ensure that the arm moves freely within the joint.
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.
Search
Social Media
Patient Testimonials
-
Dr. Adams discussed different options with me, I chose to have my knee scoped. I couldn’t be more pleased with my results. Two weeks postoperative my knee feels great and no more pain I experienced before surgery. Dr. Adams, office staff and surgical staff were professional and friendly and made for a successful…
L. Fleming in Stephenville, TX
Dr Brook Adams MD Orthopedic Surgeon Testimonial -
Need an orthopedic doctor? I would highly recommend Dr. Brook Adams. I couldn’t have chosen a more caring orthopedic doctor. When I decided to see Dr. Adams for a possible total knee replacement, he made me feel at ease when we discussed my options, and I decided to proceed with the total knee replacement. I knew I was in good hands after my first visit, his confidence and expertise was evident. I wasn’t just a another patient to him, he truly…
Brad G in Stephenville, TX
Dr Brook Adams MD Orthopedic Surgeon Testimonial -
I broke my wrist & am a senior citizen. He was very compassionate, asking questions about my lifestyle & giving me a choice in my treatment. I live a very active lifestyle & work with my hands a lot. After listening to the type of things I do with my hands, he said that surgery would make the healing…
Edith H in Granbury TX
Dr Brook Adams MD Orthopedic Surgeon Testimonial -
Overall great talented man. I had ACL reconstion surgery with him at the beginning of this year and I’m an active sports player he did such a great job. I’m back playing with no problems, my knee feels great. I recommend…
Tina in Granbury
Dr Brook Adams MD Orthopedic Surgeon Testimonial
Bone & Joint Blog
- Dr. Brook Adams MD – Orthopedic Surgeon By Dr Brook Adams MD on January 6, 2017 3
- Delay the need for Joint Replacement By Dr Brook Adams MD on January 10, 2017 2
- 4 ways to reduce ACL injuries in your daughter By Dr Brook Adams MD on January 10, 2017 2