shoulder complex

shoulder complex

The joints of the shoulder (acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints) considered as a single functional unit, which rely on associated muscles (e.g., those attached to the scapula) to provide dynamic stability.

shoulder complex

Clinical anatomy The joints of the shoulder–acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, glenohumeral, scapulothoracic joints, which rely on associated muscles–eg, those attached to the scapula, to provide dynamic stability. See Frozen shoulder, Little League shoulder, Milwaukee shoulder, Pathologists' shoulder, Rotator cuff, Scapular reaction.

shoul·der com·plex

(shōl'dĕr kom'pleks) 1. The sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, and scapulothoracic joints, together with associated muscles and connective tissue. 2. The shoulder and the pectoral girdle. 3. Synonym(s): shoulder girdle.