Instrumented Measurement of Glenohumeral Joint Laxity and its Relationship to Passive Range of Motion and Generalized Joint Laxity

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to objectively characterize in vivo glenohumeral joint laxity using an instrumented shoulder arthrometer. Secondary objectives were to examine the relationship of glenohumeral joint laxity with passive range of motion and generalized joint laxity. Fifty-one recreational athletes with no history of shoulder injury or long-term participation in overhead sports participated in this study. Anterior and posterior laxity data were obtained at displacement forces of 67, 89, 111, and 134 N. Bilateral passive shoulder range of motion measures were obtained, and a modified Beighton Mobility Score was used to quantify generalized joint laxity. There were no significant differences in glenohumeral joint laxity between the right and left shoulders (P values = 0.14 to 0.73). No significant differences in laxity were seen between directions (F(1,400) = 1.35, P = 0.25). However, significant differences were observed between force levels (F(3,400) = 27.17, P < 0.0001). No moderate or stronger correlations between laxity, passive range of motion, and generalized joint laxity were seen. These data confirm the presence of a wide spectrum of symmetric laxity in subjects that fails to correlate strongly with passive range of motion or generalized joint laxity.

An evidence-based review of current perceptions with regard to the subacromial space in shoulder impingement syndromes: Is it important and what influences it?

“…A perpetuating cycle in which subtle laxity of the glenohumeral capsule leads to internal impingement (Davidson et al, 1995), further stretching of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (Jobe and Lannotti, 1995;Mihata et al, 2010;Wilk et al, 2009), and subsequently increased humeral head translation is considered part of the process in internal impingement syndrome (Borsa et al, 2005;Chen et al, 1999;Harryman et al, 1990;Krarup et al, 1999;Sauers et al, 2001;Sethi et al, 2004). This shift of the humeral head in an anterior inferior direction pulls the posterior under surface of the cuff with it which it jams against the posterior superior glenoid during the late cocking phase of throwing.…”

Handedness Influences Passive Shoulder Range of Motion in Nonathlete Adult Women

“…23 These differences have also been reported in healthy nonathletes and in nonoverhead athletes. Sauers et al 24 found decreased values for shoulder internal rotation and extension and increased values for external rotation on the dominant side. A group of healthy, right-handed male subjects, ranging from 8 months to 54 years old, presented increased active shoulder internal rotation and extension on the left side.…”

Three-dimensional kinematics of shoulder laxity examination and the relationship to clinical interpretation

“…The development of more objective tools to provide measures in a clinically feasible manner may also be beneficial Sauers et al 2001;Sein et al 2008). However, the clinical implementation of complex mechanical devices is likely to be limited.…”