A healthy shoulder consists of the upper arm (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). The socket end of the scapula is called the glenoid and meets the head of the humerus to form the shoulder joint that acts as a very flexible ball-and-socket joint. The joint cavity is cushioned by articular cartilage covering both the head of the humerus and face of the glenoid. In addition, four important muscles originate on the scapula and attach to the humerus. Where their tendons fuse together on the humerus is called the rotator cuff.
All of these components of your shoulder, along with the muscles of your upper body, work together to create a normally functioning shoulder.
A problem shoulder can be the result of wear and tear to the cushion of cartilage due to arthritis, injury, or other diseases. Without the cushion of cartilage, the joint surfaces become irritated and pitted as bone rubs against bone.
Other common shoulder disorders include:
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hurst, please contact us at (614) 221-6331