õlaliigest

The shoulder joint, known in Estonian as the õlaliiges, is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). It is the most mobile joint in the human body, allowing for a wide range of motion including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction. This extensive mobility is facilitated by the joint's structure, which includes a shallow socket (glenoid fossa) and a large, spherical head of the humerus.

The stability of the õlaliiges is primarily provided by a group of four muscles and their tendons, collectively known as the rotator cuff. These muscles are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. They help to keep the humeral head centered within the glenoid fossa during movement and also contribute to the joint's dynamic stability. Ligaments also play a role in reinforcing the joint capsule, providing static stability.

Due to its high degree of mobility, the shoulder joint is also prone to injuries such as dislocations, separations, rotator cuff tears, and impingement syndrome. The shallow socket, while allowing for greater movement, makes the joint more susceptible to instability compared to joints with deeper sockets. Rehabilitation after shoulder injuries often focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and improving range of motion. The õlaliiges is crucial for numerous daily activities, from simple tasks like reaching for objects to complex athletic movements.