Movement of the shoulder complex: the development of a measurement technique based on proposed ISB standards

This paper introduces a protocol for the measurement of shoulder movement that uses a motion analysis based technique and the proposed standards of the International Society of Biomechanics. The protocol demonstrates effective dynamic tracking of shoulder movements in 3D, including the movement of the thorax relative to the global coordinate system, the humerus relative to the thorax, the scapula relative to the thorax, the sternoclavicular joint, the acromioclavicular joint and the glenohumeral joint. This measurement protocol must be further tested for accuracy and repeatability using motion and imaging data from existing methods developed prior to the ISB recommendations. It is proposed to apply the validated model to assess pathological shoulder movement and function with the aim of developing a valuable clinical diagnostic tool to aid surgeons in identifying optimum treatment strategies